Dunaszekcső Loess Wall Nature Reserve

The area is located at 145 metres a.s.l, and 60 metres above the Danube. Pliocene and Pleistocene loess and loess-like sediments are deposited on the Triassic Anisian limestone.
This loess formation drops steeply into the Danube, which constantly erodes the bank, resulting in huge blocks of loess collapsing and falling down from time to time. The Várhegy (“Fortress Hill”) is separated from the rest of the loess plateau by eroded valleys. Characteristic man-made features in the area are the high-walled loess road, the artificial terraces and the moats, which give the area a special atmosphere. The Várhegy is also rich in cultural and historical monuments. The first traces of human presence here date back to the early Bronze Age (Pécel Culture - 2100-1900 BC). During the Bronze Age, Zók peoples performing agricultural activities too, lived here. In the Iron Age, Illyrian and Celtic peoples settled here, the latter spreading the use of pottery wheels. The favourable geographical position of the area was taken advantage of by many peoples, including the Pannonians after the Celts, then the Romans. The area was conquered by Rome in the 1st century AD, and a border defence line (Limes) was built along the Danube. A fortress called Lugio is established on the Várhegy hill. Most of the finds excavated so far date back to the Roman period. The excavations have unearthed a statue of Marcus Aurelius, tomb stones, bricks, household items and coins. The origin of the Töröklyuk ('Turkish Hole'), carved into the high bank wall and dating back to the Turkish period, is uncertain.
The scenic value of the loess wall is also outstanding: the bare loess wall towering above the Danube is an awe inspiring sight as seen from the water. From the top of the Várhegy hill, a picturesque view opens on the Danube and its sandbars, as well as on the Mohács Island. The area is also rich in natural treasures, among which the strikingly coloured but small dwarf iris (Iris pumila), a member of the loess wall plant associations and growing on less steep slopes is striking. The only small area of loess grassland found in the area is of particular value. In the sunny parts of the almost completely bare ravines, the strictly protected Caspian whipsnake (Dolichophis caspius) was found only a few years ago. The colourful breeding bird of the bare wall sections is the bee-eater (Merops apiaster).
Declared to be protected: 27/1998.(VII.10) KTM decree
Size of the protected area: 6.8 ha