Beňatinský travertín, prírodná pamiatka
Beňatinský travertín is a nature reserve in the District of Sobrance covering about 0.24 hectares and contains the oldest travertine layer in Slovakia. The strata display fossilized remains of soft-shell mollusks and continue to form as minerals from seeping water gradually build up.
The site was officially protected in 1989 to preserve its unique geological formation and scientific importance. The travertine layers document evidence from distant geological times and show how the landscape gradually changed through natural processes.
This site is part of the protected Vihorlat landscape and reflects the geological importance of the region. Visitors can observe here how mineral-rich water naturally creates limestone, a process that continues to unfold today.
The site has no direct roads leading to it and requires a walk through the surrounding landscape to reach it. Visitors should respect the grounds, avoid removing stones or fossils, and use the pathways with minimal disturbance so the natural formation process can continue.
The area contains fossilized remains of soft-shell mollusks from ancient times embedded within the stone layers. These fossils offer glimpses into life from long ago and make the ground interesting for anyone wanting to explore the history of the earth.
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