Located on the Danube River, this industrial Romanian city runs a major river port and thermal power plant. Home to 150,000 people near the Iron Gate and Severin Canal.
Located in southwestern Romania, Drobeta-Turnu Severin stretches along the Danube River. You can explore the Water Castle's art galleries, walk through the restored Medieval Fortress, or examine the 2nd-century ruins of Trajan's Bridge. The city's riverside promenade leads past gardens filled with magnolia and fig trees, with views extending to the Iron Gates gorge.
Water Castle and City Center
The Water Castle, completed in 1914, reaches 27 meters high at one of the city's main roundabouts. Inside this renovated building, you'll find art exhibitions on multiple floors. Climb to the top level for views across the city and the Danube River.
The Medieval Fortress Experience
Visit the Severin Medieval Fortress on the Danube's bank to explore its excavated sections. Archaeologists have found Turkish, Hungarian, and Roman coins here, along with medieval weapons and armor pieces. The fortress hosts cultural events throughout the year, and you can look across the river to Serbia from its walls.
Parks and Gardens
Ginkgo biloba, Caucasian nut trees, and fig trees grow throughout the city thanks to its mild climate. West of the city, the Gura Văii – Vârciorova Reserve spans 305 hectares. Take the hiking trails through golden oak forests to spot rare plant species in this protected area.
Roman Archaeological Site
The remaining pillars of Trajan's Bridge emerge during low water levels - this 2nd-century structure stretched 1,135 meters across the Danube. The archaeological park includes thermal baths and an amphitheater ruins. Visit the Iron Gates Museum to see a detailed model of how the bridge looked when it connected the Roman Empire across the Danube.
Getting to Drobeta-Turnu Severin
You can reach the city by driving 340 kilometers west of Bucharest on DN6/E70 highway. Train journeys from the capital take about five hours, with both CFR Călători and Astra Trans Carpatic running services. Danube River cruises also stop at the city's port.
