This work reports the first data on the Variscan metamorphic evolution of the Marmarosh/Maramuresh massif in the Outer Eastern Carpathians. Geothermobarometry determinations coupled with U-Th-Pb dating of monazite, apatite, titanite and rutile were used to construct P-T-t paths and refine the geodynamic evolution of the pre-Alpine crystalline basement. These clockwise P-T-t paths evolve from 560–630 MPa and 515–535 °C to c. 900–1180 MPa in the north (Ukraine), while in the southern nappe (Romania), the P-T-t conditions evolve from 455–620 MPa and 545–555 °C, through to 670–745 MPa and 540–560 °C, to 910–965 MPa and 645–660 °C. The northernmost nappes were likely structurally lower relative to the southern nappes. Variscan progressive metamorphism related to nappe stacking climaxed at 350–340 Ma, as documented by U-Pb rutile and U-Th-Pb monazite dating.

In both regions, post-kinematic exhumation to 700–500 MPa, 550–630 °C MPa and then to the titanite stability field was dated at 317–327 Ma, using the U-Pb system on apatite and titanite. Subsequent Permian retrogression and exhumation was constrained to 280–290 Ma by U-Pb rutile and apatite and U-Th-Pb monazite dating. These data link the massif to the external zone of the Central European Variscides. We infer that all Variscan crystalline basement fragments in the Alps and Carpathians probably represent remnants of the same microcontinent, which was dismembered during Alpine orogenesis.