Postăvarul Massif

The Postăvarul Massif is a mountain massif belonging to the Carpații de Curbură, within the Carpații Orientali group, forming together with Piatra Mare the Munții Bârsei group, in Brașov County. It is situated between the valley of Cheii, the valley of Timișului and Poiana Brașov, representing an extension of the crystalline massif of Leaota. The maximum altitude is reached at Vârful Postăvaru — also known as Vârful Cristianul Mare — at 1,799 m. The name of the massif derives from a sheep owner, Stoica Postăvarul from Scheii Brașovului, from the early eighteenth century; a document of the era referred to the sheepfold as "Posztovarul sive Christianul", which also accounts for the second name of the peak. From a geological standpoint, the massif is composed predominantly of Mesozoic conglomerates and limestones, locally associated with sandstones, marls and clays. The massif comprises three sub-units: the Postăvarul Massif proper (Cristianu Mare), the Munții Poienii Brașov and the Munții Predealului. From the summit, a spectacular 360° panorama unfolds: to the east, the Munții Ciucaș, Piatra Mare and Munții Baiului; to the west, Piatra Craiului, Făgăraș, Perșani and Măgura Codlei; to the south, the Munții Bucegi; and at the foot of the massif, the city of Brașov. The vegetation consists of coniferous and deciduous forests, shrublands and alpine meadows, while the fauna includes red deer, roe deer, chamois, brown bear, wolf, lynx, wildcat and stone marten — all protected species. On the western slopes of the massif lies Poiana Brașov, the most important ski resort in Romania, with slopes served by cable cars and gondola lifts. Vârful Postăvaru can be reached quickly via the Telegondola Postăvarul Expres or the Capra Neagră and Kanzel cable cars from Poiana Brașov (approximately 5–10 minutes), from where the journey continues on foot for about 30 minutes following the red cross trail marker. There are also marked hiking trails from Brașov, Poiana Brașov, Râșnov, Predeal and Timișul de Sus, with durations of 3–6 hours. Salvamont Brașov provides mountain rescue services in the area. At the foot of the massif, near Brașov, lie Pietrele lui Solomon, a rock formation associated with the legend of King Solomon and with the coat of arms of the city.