Dobruja
Dobruja is the land of the delta and of the Black Sea. Dobruja is the land of the Greek colonies and of the Roman monuments, of a conglomerate of cultures and ethnic groups, of languages and customs.
Dobruja is a historical and geographical habitat that is part of the Romanian and Bulgarian territory, between the Danube and the Black Sea. The region used to be known under the name Scythia Minor. Administratively, it covers the Romanian counties of Tulcea and Constanța.
Dobruja is a historical and geographical habitat that is part of the Romanian and Bulgarian territory, between the Danube and the Black Sea. The region used to be known under the name Scythia Minor. Administratively, it covers the Romanian counties of Tulcea and Constanța.
The main cities are Constanța, Tulcea, Medgidia and Mangalia, with the spa and vacation resorts by the Romanian seaside: Mamaia, Eforie, Costinești and the resorts in Mangalia area of Comorova. In the north-east part of Dobruja there is the Danube Delta.
Dobruja, with Greek and Turkish influences, and many others, is one of the most delightful lands. Dobruja has many ruins of strongholds from the times of the Greeks and Romans.
The archaeological vestiges, the old monasteries, the Black Sea seaside, the Danube Delta, the spa resorts, the famous Murfatlar and Niculițel vineyards make Dobruja one of the most important holiday destinations in Romania.
Dobruja, with Greek and Turkish influences, and many others, is one of the most delightful lands. Dobruja has many ruins of strongholds from the times of the Greeks and Romans.
The archaeological vestiges, the old monasteries, the Black Sea seaside, the Danube Delta, the spa resorts, the famous Murfatlar and Niculițel vineyards make Dobruja one of the most important holiday destinations in Romania.
Archaeological vestiges
The ancient city of Histria – the first Greek colony established on the western shore of Pontus Euxinus and the oldest city in our country. Established in mid-7th century B.C., during the 31st Olympic Games (657 B.C.) or in the last decades of the same century, Histria had a continuous development both in the Greek period and in the Roman one, and it was for a long period of time the most important economic and cultural center at the Danube mouth spill.
The ancient city of Tropaeum Traiania was established to honor Trajan’s victory over Decebalus.
The ancient city of Enisala built up by the byzantine imperial power and the Genovese commercial one in late 13th century and in early 14th century and subsequently included in the defensive system of Wallachia, and then transformed into a garrison of the Ottoman Empire.
The ancient city of Noviodunum is located on the right bank of the Danune, in the place called The Old Pontoon, nearby the city of Isaccea, is the most important river crossing point, and is one of the oldest settlements in Dobruja.
The ancient city of Tropaeum Traiania was established to honor Trajan’s victory over Decebalus.
The ancient city of Enisala built up by the byzantine imperial power and the Genovese commercial one in late 13th century and in early 14th century and subsequently included in the defensive system of Wallachia, and then transformed into a garrison of the Ottoman Empire.
The ancient city of Noviodunum is located on the right bank of the Danune, in the place called The Old Pontoon, nearby the city of Isaccea, is the most important river crossing point, and is one of the oldest settlements in Dobruja.
The ancient city of Halmyri was established in an area where traces of civilization go back to the 6th century B.C., on the southern bank of the ancient gulf of Halmyris. It has known many development stages: Roman fortification, stone camp, headquarter for many units of the I Italica and XI Claudia Pia Fidelis legions and headquarter of a station of the Classis Flavia Moesica Roman military fleet.
The ancient city of Capidava is situated on a rocky massif, it was a good surveillance and defense point, having port installations, storages and extensions. The ancient city was built by detachments of Roman soldiers from the V Macedonica and IX Claudia legions, and the name Capidava means “the city at the bend”.
The ancient city of Capidava is situated on a rocky massif, it was a good surveillance and defense point, having port installations, storages and extensions. The ancient city was built by detachments of Roman soldiers from the V Macedonica and IX Claudia legions, and the name Capidava means “the city at the bend”.
The ancient city of Dinogetia was first mentioned by Ptolemais in his well-known work “Geographia” (2nd century A.D.). Initially a Getae-Dacian settlement, and then a Roman one, it was erected during Emperor Diocletian’s rule (285-305 A.D.). The settlement benefited from a natural dominant location, with visibility towards the left bank of the Danube, being surrounded from all sides by water.
The ancient city of Carsium was established by Trajan in 103 A.D. as a Roman camp and it was reconstructed by the Byzantines. The ancient city endured till the late medieval age, being conquered by Mihai Viteazu (Michael the Brave) during one of his wars against the Turks. There are frequent mentions of it in documents from the antiquity starting with the 2nd century B.C. until the 7th century.
The ancient city of Carsium was established by Trajan in 103 A.D. as a Roman camp and it was reconstructed by the Byzantines. The ancient city endured till the late medieval age, being conquered by Mihai Viteazu (Michael the Brave) during one of his wars against the Turks. There are frequent mentions of it in documents from the antiquity starting with the 2nd century B.C. until the 7th century.
Monasteries
Saint Andrew’s Cave Monastery. The cave was discovered in 1918 by lawyer Jean Dinu who, as a result of a dream he had had, went to that area and found it. In 1943, the cave was blessed by Bishop Chesarie Păunescu. Unfortunately, during the communist period, the worship place was destroyed and transformed into an animal shelter. Only in 1990, priest Nicodim Dincă, a monk from the Sihăstria monastery, together with hieromonk Victorin Ghindăoanu, with the approval of His Hollynes Lucian, they started restoring the cave and building the monastery. The cave shelters the icon of Saint Andrew, the righteous apostle who christened the lands north of the Danube. In the narthex there is a niche where a bed was carved into the stone and it is said Apostle Andrew used it for resting. Currently, the monastery has a smaller church, built in 1994-1995, and is dedicated to the Protection of our Most Holy Lady the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary. A third bigger church was built in 1998-2002. The relics of Saint Andrew are kept in a tomb inside the small church.
Dervent Monastery was built by monk Elefterie Mihai (1929-1936) on the site of a Christian cemetery. The cross shaped church was executed by the plans of architect N. Săvulescu from Călărași, and then painted during the 70’s – 80’s. The church is dedicated to Saint Paraskeva of the Balkans.
Celic Dere Monastery is the one of the most famous in Dobruja and is considered the center of Orthodoxism in the region. The Turkish origin name comes from the nearby spring which means “the spring of steel”. According to existing documents, the first church was built here in early 19th century.
Saon Monastery was established in 1846 as a hermitage by monks who left Celic-Dere Monastery. First the monk rooms were built, then a chapel and later the actual old wooden church, dedicated to the “Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary”.
Cocoș Monastery is located at foothill of Cocoșului Hill, surrounded by linden trees. According to the legend, on that hill a rooster was heard singing and this is how it got its name. The beautiful area attracted the three monks, Visarion Făgărășanu, Gherontie and Isaia, who in 1833 were on their way to Mount Athos. Such beauty they saw in that place they decided to build a monastery there.
Celic Dere Monastery is the one of the most famous in Dobruja and is considered the center of Orthodoxism in the region. The Turkish origin name comes from the nearby spring which means “the spring of steel”. According to existing documents, the first church was built here in early 19th century.
Saon Monastery was established in 1846 as a hermitage by monks who left Celic-Dere Monastery. First the monk rooms were built, then a chapel and later the actual old wooden church, dedicated to the “Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary”.
Cocoș Monastery is located at foothill of Cocoșului Hill, surrounded by linden trees. According to the legend, on that hill a rooster was heard singing and this is how it got its name. The beautiful area attracted the three monks, Visarion Făgărășanu, Gherontie and Isaia, who in 1833 were on their way to Mount Athos. Such beauty they saw in that place they decided to build a monastery there.
Vineyards
Murfatlar Vineyard. It was established in 1900, and its first plantations were of west-European types engrafted with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. It covers approximately 3,000 hectares and it bottles approximately 17,000,000 liters annually. The Murfatlar portfolio contains white, red, dry, medium dry, sweet and medium sweet wines, thus covering all consumer segments.
Sarica-Niculițel Vineyard. Like in the cases of all the other dobrujan vineyards, on the site of Sarica-Niculițel vineyards too archaeological proof of a long history of winegrowing and wine making was found. An 1881 map shows that the settlement of Niculițel had at that time a wine growing area of 281 hectares. The main types of white grapes were Aligote and Italian Riesling, and the red grapes were Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Because of the reduced sugar quantities in wine after fermenting (below 4%), the vineyard also produces dry wines which preserve the aromas and the natural taste of the grapes even after the aging process.
Sarica-Niculițel Vineyard. Like in the cases of all the other dobrujan vineyards, on the site of Sarica-Niculițel vineyards too archaeological proof of a long history of winegrowing and wine making was found. An 1881 map shows that the settlement of Niculițel had at that time a wine growing area of 281 hectares. The main types of white grapes were Aligote and Italian Riesling, and the red grapes were Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Because of the reduced sugar quantities in wine after fermenting (below 4%), the vineyard also produces dry wines which preserve the aromas and the natural taste of the grapes even after the aging process.
Spa Resorts
Eforie Nord, the resort is by the Black Sea, 14 km from the port city of Constanța. The spa & treatment resort is available yearlong. Here treatments are available for degenerative illnesses (cervical, dorsal or lumbar spondylosis), inflammatory diseases (rheumatic and polyarthritis spondylosis), rheumatic arthritis illnesses (tendinitis, tendomyose, shoulder periarthritis), peripheral nervous system disease (post traumatic paralysis and member paresis, poliomyelitis aftereffects), skin, respiratory and gynecology diseases (ovarian insufficiency, chronical cervicitis, secondary sterility etc), juvenile deficient growth, rickets, decalcification, secondary anemia etc.
Techirghiol. On the bank of Lake Techirghiol there is an open air treatment center equipped for lake cold mud packing. The natural care factors: marine climate; seawater; sapropelic mud from Lake Techirghiol; the salt water in Lake Techirghiol;
Techirghiol. On the bank of Lake Techirghiol there is an open air treatment center equipped for lake cold mud packing. The natural care factors: marine climate; seawater; sapropelic mud from Lake Techirghiol; the salt water in Lake Techirghiol;
The Black Sea Coastline
The Romanian seaside is part of the western coastline of the Black Sea. It is the most exploited tourist area in Romania. Along the coastline there are 2 municipalities, 2 bigger cities and 2 smaller ones, as well as summer tourist resorts.
The most important seaside resorts are: Mamaia, Constanța, Eforie, Costinești, Olimp, Venus and Neptun. Each has unique attractions and draws in thousands of tourists on the Romanian beaches yearly.
The most important seaside resorts are: Mamaia, Constanța, Eforie, Costinești, Olimp, Venus and Neptun. Each has unique attractions and draws in thousands of tourists on the Romanian beaches yearly.
Mamaia is undoubtedly the most popular location; mostly because families with children favor this resort for its shallow waters and various entertainment possibilities. The 8 km long beach is the widest on the seaside, with fine sand and a smooth shore.
But people don’t go to the Black Sea just for fun, bathing and sun bathing, but also for health and beauty benefits. Spa hotels, which provide rejuvenations and beauty treatments, mud packing, sea salts packing await for them to see if they can reach youth without old age. Famous worldwide, brands “Aslavital” or “Gerovital” originated from the shores of the Black Sea.
But people don’t go to the Black Sea just for fun, bathing and sun bathing, but also for health and beauty benefits. Spa hotels, which provide rejuvenations and beauty treatments, mud packing, sea salts packing await for them to see if they can reach youth without old age. Famous worldwide, brands “Aslavital” or “Gerovital” originated from the shores of the Black Sea.
The Danube Delta
In 1991 it became a UNESCO World Heritage as the only delta in the world to be a biosphere reserve. It was first confirmed in documents by Herodot, who depicts the entry of the Persian fleet led by Darius to the Delta, after a short stop in Histria (515-513 B.C.).
It has 3 channels: Chilia, 104 km long, marks the borderline with Ukraine, and takes over 60% of the Danube water volume; Sulina, 71 km long, crosses the middle of the Delta, and has a good flow for navigation, it takes over 18% of the Danube water volume; Sfântul Gheorghe (Saint George) is 112 km long and takes over 22% of the Danube water volume, at the mouth spill to the Black Sea it forms the Sacalin Islands considered the inception of a secondary delta.
It has 3 channels: Chilia, 104 km long, marks the borderline with Ukraine, and takes over 60% of the Danube water volume; Sulina, 71 km long, crosses the middle of the Delta, and has a good flow for navigation, it takes over 18% of the Danube water volume; Sfântul Gheorghe (Saint George) is 112 km long and takes over 22% of the Danube water volume, at the mouth spill to the Black Sea it forms the Sacalin Islands considered the inception of a secondary delta.
Razim – Sinoe Lagoon Complex is formed of lakes Razim, Golovița, Zmeica and Babadag, with its two additional lakes Tauc and Topraichioi, and Sinoe, Nuntași and Tuzla. In their perimeter there are also a few islands of which the most important are Popina, Bisericuța and Grădiștea.
Danube Delta is home to approximately 5,000 species of flora and fauna, making in unique in the world and the reason why it was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, being also a live genetic bank of the human kind.
Danube Delta is home to approximately 5,000 species of flora and fauna, making in unique in the world and the reason why it was declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, being also a live genetic bank of the human kind.
Danube Delta has almost 95% of Europe’s water fauna. Fish are represented by over 70 species, most of them in fresh water, among which we can find the critically endangered sturgeons: the beluga (European sturgeon), the diamond sturgeon (Danube sturgeon) and the starlet.
The Delta is a living paradise for birds, sheltering 320 species (loons/divers, grebes, petrels, prions and shearwaters, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, ducks, geese, seagulls, glossy ibises, warblers, flycatchers, thrush nightingales/sprossers, chaffinches and great tits.
The Delta is a living paradise for birds, sheltering 320 species (loons/divers, grebes, petrels, prions and shearwaters, pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills, ducks, geese, seagulls, glossy ibises, warblers, flycatchers, thrush nightingales/sprossers, chaffinches and great tits.
In the marine forests of Letea and Caraorman there are present 64 species typical to the forest nesting bird fauna (warblers, blackbirds, woodpeckers, robins, great tits, starlings, sea eagles/white-tailed eagles, black kites, booted eagles, ospreys/sea hawks/fish hawks, pheasants etc).
The sandy meadows are home to the grey partridge, common quail, and larks.
We need to emphasize the fact that this is the home to: the largest part of the European population of common pelican (circa 8,000) and Dalmatian pelican (circa 200); 60% of the world population of pygmy cormorant (circa 6,000); 50% of the world population of red-breasted goose (during winter time circa 40,000).
The sandy meadows are home to the grey partridge, common quail, and larks.
We need to emphasize the fact that this is the home to: the largest part of the European population of common pelican (circa 8,000) and Dalmatian pelican (circa 200); 60% of the world population of pygmy cormorant (circa 6,000); 50% of the world population of red-breasted goose (during winter time circa 40,000).