The rocks in the eastern region are the oldest, becoming progressively younger toward the west. Many areas were underwater during the Paleozoic to Mesozoic eras, resulting in limestone layers deposited on the sea floor that later uplifted through tectonic activity, exposing limestone on the surface. Since the Greek period, limestone has been widely used in sculpture, architecture, and agriculture.

Switzerland to France: Layers containing Jurassic limestone, shale, and sandstone, with large dinosaur fossils.
Germany: Triassic geology, featuring red sandstone, white limestone, and brown sandstone.
Italy: Unlike most of Europe, Italy has significant volcanic activity, with substantial exposures of metamorphic rocks like marble.