Silistra

You'll find Silistra on the southern bank of the Danube River in northeastern Bulgaria, facing Romania across the water. Roman ruins like a 4th-century tomb with detailed murals of chariot races and sections of the Durostorum fortress walls stand near Ottoman structures such as the hexagonal Medjidi Tabia Fort. Apricot trees line the streets, a reminder of the area's farming history, and the Srebarna Nature Reserve attracts visitors interested in birdlife. Walk through Central Park to spot ancient stonework under old oaks, or explore the Ethnographic Museum’s displays of traditional clothing and tools.

See Roman Ruins, Ottoman Forts, and Bulgarian History

Silistra’s past is visible in its surviving structures. The Late Roman tomb near the city center displays 4th-century murals of mythological figures and racing chariots, still vivid after centuries. Sections of the Durostorum fortress walls, part of a Roman military base, remain in Central Park and other locations. The Ottoman-built Medjidi Tabia Fort, with its six-sided design, sits on a hill above the Danube—climb its 300 steps early in the day to avoid midday sun and examine the cannons still facing the river. The Historical Museum has a detailed model of Roman Durostorum, showing how its organized streets and drainage systems influenced the modern city’s layout. Nearby, the Art Gallery highlights works by Bulgarian painter Vladimir Dimitrov, whose colorful scenes of village life capture rural traditions.

Follow the Danube River to Wetlands and Bird Habitats

The Danube forms Silistra’s northern border, with a riverside path providing views of cargo ships and Romanian towns. Rent a bicycle to ride west along the river, passing wetlands where herons nest in willow trees. The Srebarna Nature Reserve, 20 kilometers west, shelters a shallow lake along a major bird migration path—spring and autumn bring pelicans, cormorants, and other species. A wooden walkway loops around the lake, with platforms for observing birds or resting with a packed lunch. Local fishermen sell their catch near Silistra’s port, and small boats sometimes offer short trips on the river.

Eat Apricot Dishes, Fish Soup, and Grilled Meats

Apricots grow widely here, used in jams, desserts, and strong brandy served in family-run taverns. Start mornings with banitsa, a flaky pastry stuffed with cheese, and boza, a slightly sour wheat drink, from bakeries near the Central Market. For lunch, try ribena chorba, a fish soup seasoned with paprika, at Bai Danio, a restaurant by the river that uses fresh catches from local boats. Summer brings stalls selling ripe apricots from nearby farms, and winter markets stock jars of preserved fruit and local honey. Try Turkish-inspired dishes like kebapche, grilled minced meat, or baklava layered with walnuts and syrup.

Explore Museums, Mosques, and Churches

The Ethnographic Museum, housed in a 19th-century building, exhibits tools for wool processing, carved wooden utensils, and masks worn during harvest festivals. A short walk away, the Kurshumlu Mosque from the 1650s retains its original lead-covered dome and slender minaret—visitors can enter outside prayer times. The Armenian Apostolic Church Surp Astvadzadzin, with its blue-tiled tower, holds services for Silistra’s Armenian residents. The green-domed St. Petar and Pavel Orthodox Church stands out for its interior, entirely covered in painted religious scenes. These sites, clustered in the city center, illustrate how different religious communities have shaped Silistra over time.

Plan Your Visit: Transport, Weather, and Accommodation

Silistra is small enough to explore on foot, though buses run to nearby villages like Srebarna. Summer temperatures regularly reach 30°C, so visit parks or museums during midday heat. The closest airports are in Varna (141 km southeast) and Bucharest (140 km north), requiring a bus or car ride to reach the city. Guesthouses and mid-range hotels, most within a short walk of the Danube, provide lodging options. While English isn’t widely spoken, staff at museums and younger residents often know enough to help with directions or recommendations.