Râpa Roșie, Protected geological area near Sebeș, Romania
Râpa Roșie is a protected geological site near Sebeș featuring red clay slopes that stretch roughly 800 meters and rise between 50 and 125 meters high. The landscape displays columnar formations and pyramid-like shapes separated by deep ravines that cut through the terrain.
The red clay layers formed approximately 38 million years ago during the Oligocene epoch, while the gray-whitish marls developed around 23 million years later. These distinct geological layers tell the story of how this region changed over vast spans of time.
Local geologists refer to this area as badlands because of how the red clay and eroded slopes create a distinctive landscape. When you walk through it, you notice how the terrain looks almost sculpted by nature into pointed ridges and deep gullies.
You can reach the site by driving from Sebeș along the DJ 106 K road toward Daia Română and turning left after passing under the A1 highway. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and can be slippery in certain spots.
The site contains one of the world's largest naturally formed earth caves, measuring about 25 meters long and 4.5 meters deep. This remarkable hollow was carved entirely by erosion and water movement over millions of years.
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