PÉCS-KO Traditional Geocache
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Size: 
(small)
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Two kilometers eastward from the center of Salgótarján rises the 544 meters high Pécsko, a basalt cone which is a geological character natural value in the first place but its plant communities are also a prized treasure. It is accessible from various parts of the town but the easiest way through the Somlyó mine premises by foot. From the top of the remnant hill we get a very fine view of the surrounding country.
It is worth - and possible - to visit in every seasons but probably it is most beautiful in May when along with the geological and scenic spectacles the rock flora is also blossom.
The volcanic cone of the Pécs- ko is 2 to 3 million years old, has the same age as the basalt of Salgó, Szilvás-ko and Somlyó. It was created in a two section volcanic activity. The first part was a drossy basalt tufa, lava shreds and volcanic bombs of various sizes originating from a great scatter. At the second section, through two larger cracks the black lava basalt pressed up. This compact fabric, easy to split basalt was used to paving the streets of the town from the 1920.
Like on the other basalt rocks a characteristic plant community was formed here. The most significant species are the Sedum acre, the Sedum maximum, the Jovibarba hirta, the Garanium sanguineum, the Alyssum saxatile and the Asplenium septentrionale. In the beech wood of the protected area we can take pleasure in the blossom of the Corydalis cava. The woodruff which can be used for aromatizing and medicinal purposes grows in the oak wood. During the mining operation a late Bronze Age settlement was found at the feet of the rock. The area was excavated in 1964 and the findings were processed scientifically. According to unreliable written sources there was a castle on the Pécs- ko in the medieval age but no traces of such were found at the site. At first only the rock was protected but in 1987 the 133 hectares wooded area around it was also placed under protection.
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