Conversion of former quarries in tourism objectives: Macin mountains, Dobrogea, Romania

Located in eastern Romania near the Danube river (10km) and Danube Delta (100km), the Macin Mountains are considered the oldest mountains in the country, appeared about 300 - 400 million years ago. They are part of the same mountain chain with Vosgi mountains and mountains of Scotland which once crossed the continent of Europe.

In 2000 the Macin Mountains National Park (www.parcmacin.ro) was established, whose administration has become operational since 2004. Granite rocks from the massive have local economic importance, with many quarries being operated for at least 100 years. Moreover, in one of the most important villages on the west of the Macinm mountains, Greci village, you’ll find the biggest Italian community in Romania: stone workers who moved here for quarrying granite almost two hundred years ago.