History and location

The Mud Volcanoes at Pâclele Mari are located in the central part of Buzău County, in the area of Scorțoasa commune, near the county roads DJ102F which connects the village of Policiori to Pâclele and DJ220A, while Pâclele Mici are located within Berca commune. Pâclele Mari are situated at an altitude of 322 meters, and Pâclele Mici at an altitude of 341 meters. The natural reserve, covering an area of 4 hectares, was declared a protected area on March 6, 2000, and is part of the site of community importance “Mud Volcanoes at Pâclele Mari and Pâclele Mici”.

Volcanic phenomena and vegetation

The Mud Volcanoes of Buzău are remarkable due to the appearance of muddy craters, where the ground erupts in a spectacular and mysterious way. Around these volcanoes, the soil is sulfurous and saline, which makes it difficult for typical vegetation to develop. However, in this unique area, there are specially adapted plant species such as Nitraria schoberi and Obione verrucifera, which have found a suitable environment for survival. There are also several protected plant species, such as Tărtan (Crambe tataria), wild steppe iris (Iris aphylla ssp. hungarica), wormwood (Artemisia santonicum), wild orache (Atriplex tatarica), joint pine (Ephedra distachya), and others.

Fauna and biodiversity

The Mud Volcanoes provide a diverse habitat for various protected animal species. Among them are the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus), the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), the forest lizard (Lacerta praticola), and Elaphe sauromates, also known as the “great snake”. These species contribute to the richness and uniqueness of the fauna in the Mud Volcanoes area.

Legend

The Legend of the Mud Volcanoes

The Mud Volcanoes of Romania bring a touch of mysticism and magic to the landscape of these unique formations. According to legend, in the past, this region was terrorized by a seven-headed dragon that brought destruction and unrest to local communities. Its powerful flames scorched crops and homes, spreading chaos and fear everywhere.

However, the courage and determination of a young hero named Arbanașu changed the fate of this land. The son of Lady Neaga and ruler Mihnea Turcitul, Arbanașu prepared for a battle with the feared dragon. Armed with bravery and riding a white horse, he set off in search of the terrifying creature.

His journey took him through Valea Părului, Berca, Dimiana, and Mărgăriți, until he reached a village where an old man revealed that the dragon was hiding behind a hill. Arbanașu continued his journey, and as he climbed the hill, the gigantic dragon appeared before him, spitting flames and threatening with its seven terrifying heads.

The hero fought fiercely, avoiding the deadly flames and, at the right moment, cut off one of the dragon’s seven heads with his sword. The creature’s black blood gushed violently over the hill and the plain, dramatically transforming the surrounding landscape. Taking advantage of the dragon’s moment of weakness, Arbanașu cut off another head, forcing it to retreat into the depths of the earth.

The dragon’s black blood seeped through the earth’s crust, occasionally bursting to the surface and coloring the soil in the spectacular shades we can still see today. According to this legend, the Mud Volcanoes were created due to the brave deed of Arbanașu, who brought peace and tranquility to this enchanting region of Romania.

Surrounded by fascinating legends and enhanced by the grandeur of nature, the Mud Volcanoes of Buzău stand as testimony to the power and beauty that our land can hide. This unique volcanic phenomenon in Romania is certainly a place that should be on the list of any traveler seeking adventure and natural wonders.

In an increasingly technological world, a visit to the Mud Volcanoes reminds us of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, a place where time seems frozen in its eternal charm. The spectacular landscape and the mysterious history of these places remind us that we must appreciate and protect the gifts offered by nature.

For travel and adventure enthusiasts, for those eager to discover the mysteries of Romanian land, Buzău and the Mud Volcanoes are an unforgettable destination. With fairy-tale landscapes and the mystery surrounding each muddy crater, this region will captivate you.

Buzău and the Mud Volcanoes are waiting for you with open arms, ready to reveal their unique beauty and offer you a captivating and memorable travel experience. The adventure begins now!