Mecsek

Mecsek (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈmɛtʃɛk]; Croatian: Meček, Serbian: Meček or Мечек; German Metscheck) is a mountain range in southern Hungary. It is situated in the Baranya region, in the north of the city of Pécs.

The Hungarian toponym "Mecsek" derives from the sobriquet version of the name Mihály (Michael). Originally applied only to the hills adjacent to Pécs, the name Mecsek was first mentioned in 16th century.

The mountains cover an area of approximately 500 km². The highest peak in the mountain range is Zengő (literally translates to 'resonant'), which has an elevation of 682 metres (2238 feet). The Mecsek Hills consist of plateau-like block mountains of a broken, folded structure. Its basis is crystalline rock of variscian origin surmounted by Triassic and Jurassic limestone and dolomite and Tertiary formations that form the main block. The mountains are divided by a structural fault running NW to SE. The eastern part consist mainly of high ridges of sedimentary rock. The west has extensive limestone plateaux and areas dominated by sandstones of the Permian-Triassic period. There are important karst phenomena to be found on the limestone plateaux. Mecsek is rich in minerals (including uranium) compared to other territories of Hungary. The climate is mixed and represents elements of the mediterranean and continental climate. The territory gives home to 20-30 plant species which are unknown in other parts of the Carpathian Basin.

Due to their relative small size and medium height, the hills of Mecsek were always politically and economically connected with the neighboring lowlands of Baranya and Tolna, serving primarily as a source of wood. The forested hills also offered substantial protection against the possible enemies.

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