Small-Group Geo and Historical Sites Day Tour from Brașov in Romania

Drive about 1 hour to visit a remarkable fortress - Rupea - with three rings, dating from the 14th century, built on a basalt rock. Inside the fortress there is a well 60 m deep. The water is still drinkable.

Continue to Racos village (20 minutes driving) mentioned historically in 1421. Visit the Sükösd-Bethlen Castle, located in the central part of the village. The Castle, built in 1624 by Sükösd Istvan on the domain granted by the Transylvanian prince Gabriel Bethlen, is characterized by a rectangular fortification with towers in the corners and an interior yard. Initially the main role of the castle was a defensive one against ottoman invasions and peasant's revolts. Later the residential function was added to the castle. In time the castle was owned by the powerful Transylvanian family Teleki and in 1903 become a property of Racos village.

Drive 5 minutes to the astonishing Racos Geological Complex. The Quaternary basaltic eruptions from Persani Mountains area represent the last manifestations of volcanism in the Carpathian Mountains and form the "Basalt Triangle" (Racos - Rupea - Comana de Sus). The volcanic eruptions took place between 2 - 0.5 million years ago and the most important basalt outcrops are protected nowadays by the following geo-sites of national importance: Racos Geological Complex and Rupea Basaltic cliff. Today the Racos Geological Complex preserves the Quaternary basaltic volcanic eruptions from approximately 1.3 - 1.5 millions years ago that are visible today in the three quarries. Visit Brazi Basalt Quarrie where Brazi Lake started to form after the mining activities stopped, called by the locals the Emerald Lake. Continue to the Bazalt Columns Natural Monument. The Extinct Volcano, is closed during 2021, but we can have a walk to visit it from above (no pictures allowed).