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Berca Mud Volcanoes
A geological and botanical preserve located near the Berca village, the mud volcanoes are a rare and beautiful sight to see. The small mud volcanoes, only a few meters high, create a strange landscape due to lack of vegetation around the cones. Vegetation is scarce because the soil is very salty and only a few plants can survive. Several of the volcanoes can be active anytime, when the gray mud at the surface is disturbed by the rising gas bubbles. A thick liquid is pushed to the surface by the gas pressure creating some miniature lava flows. The phenomenon can be observed on two separate locations near the Berca commune, the Small Mud Volcanoes (Paclele Mici) and The Big Mud Volcanoes (Paclele Mari). Visiting the place doesn't present a danger but I would advice wearing something else than sandals.
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Ciolanu Monastery
This monastery of Eastern Orthodox monks located in the Magura village is an old and beautiful place, located in a peaceful meadow surrounded by forest. The monastery was established in 1520 when the first church was erected by the boyar (a rich land owner in feudal Romania) Dumitru Ciolanu of Buzau City. Currently there are two churches, an old one up on the hill, "St George" Church, erected in 1590 and a new one, "Saints Apostles Peter and Paul" near the entrance, erected in late 19th century (1828). Inside the monastery there is a little museum which contains rare books, icons and paintings by Gheorghe Tattarescu, as well as utensils used by the monks for arming and pottery-making. In the surrounding forests and clearings is a scattered open-air exhibition of some 200 sculptures by young artists.
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Meledic Lake
This is the ideal place for the people who want to spend their time in a peaceful environment. There is a hotel built next to the lake and several camping places. Near Meledic there are 34 salt caves; the 6th cave is considered the 2nd largest salt cave in the world (1337 m) but unfortunately in order to visit one needs special equipment and experience in cave exploration.
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