Discover Harasova – an ancient town full of character

Dobrogean or visitor, Hârșova should be on your must-see list at least once in your life. If you liked the Danube Cauldrons, you will also be fascinated by the landscape that the river creates here in this area: even if it is far from the mountains, it offers an unexpected relief. Here, millions of years tell their story in sediments carved by the waters.

In the following, you will find out what to see in Hârșova and where the roads here can take you to get to know this historically steeped part of Dobrogea, but also to enjoy the unique natural beauties and moments of relaxation that will energize your whole being.

We invite you to get to know the town on the banks of the Danube, 70 km from Constanta, as well as its surroundings with its plains, forests and steep cliffs descending into the sea.

• Hârșova Constanta – A millenary history, strongly marked by the Roman era
• The Danube and the ‘stone palaces’ of Harasova
• Go fishing, swimming or exploring
• The cultural sights, an oasis of spirituality and relaxation
• Who is recommended a trip to Hârșova?
• Choose charming accommodation by the Danube

Hârșova Constanta – A millenary history, strongly marked by the Roman era

The history of the settlement stretches back no less than 7,000 years, with archaeological evidence dating back to the Neo-eneolithic. The present tranquility of the place calls for recreation and in no way harks back to Harsovei’s past as a former strategic point of defense and trade center.

As an urban settlement, Hârșova is estimated to be more than 2,000 years old and is one of the oldest cities in Romania. Its beginnings are linked to the Roman occupation of Dobrogea – in the 1st century AD, the Carsium fortress was built to defend the Danube border. Today, its ruins are an important tourist attraction, attractive for vestige enthusiasts and beyond.

It is worth making a stop at the fortress and in Hârșova, in the city that has hosted, over the centuries, Romanians, Greeks, Turks, Tatars and many others, each leaving their mark in traditions, customs, crafts or gastronomy.

The area has seen intense trade between peoples, battles fought and destinies written. Thanks to its strategic location on the river, the settlement has had the status of a city since ancient times.

The Romans took advantage of the expansion of the empire and the opportunities offered by the Danube and the Black Sea, thus repeatedly developing and strengthening the city and the port.

The Danube and the ‘stone palaces’ of Harasova

It combines ancient history with the beauties of a typical north-Dubrovnik nature, blessed by the gentle course of the Danube towards the spillway. Discover an area of great beauty and uniqueness, suitable for walks, but also for fishing and water activities. 

You can take a ride on a motorboat or kayak to see the ‘stone palaces’ on the shore between Hârșova and Ghindărești – formations you probably wouldn’t expect to see in a predominantly gentle Dobrogean landscape.

The area surrounding the fortress is known as the Turkish Canary, a nature reserve with a spectacular wild landscape of straight cliffs 30 meters high. These unique geological formations contain visible traces of Jurassic marine animals. Also here you’ll find the Cave under Canara.

In addition to these basic attractions, the following are recommended for nature lovers:

• Celea Mica Reserve;
• Gypsy Canary;
• Santa and Baba;
• August 23 Island;
• Stone with Tree;
• Hunchback;
• Veriga;
• Băroi Hill.

Go fishing, swimming or exploring

Many anglers who couldn’t always afford to go to the Danube Delta have been very pleased with the variety and conditions in Hârșova. You can fish in the Danube as well as in the specially designed ponds, and you can even catch predatory fish. Check the water conditions beforehand when choosing a fishing spot.

Those who venture beyond the city to the Danube meadow are treated to the spectacle of the many species of birds that live here. Apart from their bustle, the tranquility of the place seems like heaven. If you’re patient, you can spot species such as partridge, cormorant, duck and wild goose, stork or heron in their natural habitat.

For a moment of health and relaxation, 2 km from the town are the Puturoasa Baths, with great benefits, known since ancient times. Although it is not a developed area, it is sought after by locals and tourists for its sulphurous mesothermal waters. Such sulphur-rich waters combat pain, inflammation, help the joints and alleviate disorders of internal organs, induce vasodilatation and even have a sedative effect on the whole organism.

➽ For plenty of ideas for exploring and spending time in and around the Danube Delta, check out this detailed guide and choose the right experience for you.

Cultural sights, oases of spirituality and relaxation

Today, the most important sight open to tourists is the Carsium Fortress, which is joined by the Carsium Museum, the Geamia of Sultan Mahmut, December 1st Square, the Town Hall and the Cultural Center of the town. In addition to these, adventurers can also reach the attractions further away from Hârșova, which will be presented below. 

Carsium Fortress, the undisputed core of the area

The fortified stone and brick citadel was originally a Roman, then a Roman-Byzantine fortress, and nowadays it is depicted as a medieval fortification. Built during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and fortified with walls by Emperor Trajan, it sits on a rocky promontory on the Danube bank.

One of the many reconstructions of Carsium was ordered by Emperor Constantine the Great himself, and it is suspected that in the 12th century it was even under Genoese administration. Up to 10,000 tourists visit the fortress every year.

Although largely ruined, it preserves imposing fragments such as the Commander’s Tower, over 9 m high, and the monumental 40 m long wall at the Danube, where the ancient harbor has stood for 18 centuries.

The Dervent Monastery and the healing crosses that came out of the ground

Dervent Monastery (40 km from Hârșova) is one of the most important cultural sights of the place, known all over the country for the spiritual life of its inhabitants and for the culinary and healing preparations made by them. Its history is lost in the mists of time.

It is also said that the stone crosses in this place have healing powers.

Miraculous stone crosses are a local reality. The priests here say they’re not man-made, but grow out of the earth. Sick people who come here are allowed to sleep a few nights near the crosses and leave cured. One of the crosses is healing for the animals that roost here.

Enisala Fortress, a place worthy of a movie set

The medieval fortress of Enisala, 91 km away, is a favorite of Dobrogea’s visitors, not least because of its elevated location. Situated on a limestone hill, it offers a spectacular view of Lake Razim.

Built in the second half of the 14th century, the medieval fortress is attributed to Genoese merchants, who at one time had a monopoly on Black Sea navigation. It can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00.

➽ Discover all about the Enisala Fortress, once located at the meeting of East and West! Learn more about the site’s history, structure, curiosities and current events.

Who is recommended a trip to Hârșova?

The whole region is suitable for tourists who are willing to deviate from the classic seaside paths and enjoy the sea and nature in other ways, without the hustle and bustle and revelingin a different kind of landscape, wilder, with relics that transport you to another time.

It is recommended to those who want to relax on beaches without tourists and terraces, taste glimpses of ancient history and walk at their own pace from one sight to another. Here you cancooka fish you caught yourself, take a leisurely boat trip on the Danube or linger in the sulphurous thermal waters, helpful for rheumatic complaints.

Come visit Hârșova and roam Dobrogea to connect with the diversity of our history as well as with nature in its wild state, shimmering with the waters of the Danube and marked by limestone formations of great beauty.

Choose charming accommodation by the Danube

Most tourists come to stay here by tent and camper van, but there are also a growing number of conventional accommodations in the area. These include hotel options, which fill up quickly. From Hârșova you can take coaches to the Delta, where the choice is much more generous.

➽ We present you comfortable accommodation options in Sfântu Gheorghe, from where you can explore towards Hârșova Constanta, Tulcea and the Danube Delta!

Coming by car, you can venture north to the mouth of the spillway, where Green Dolphin Camping awaits. Here you can stay with the whole family in tents or fairy-tale wooden cottages. 

Create your own story and live your vacation in your own style! Become one of those who visited Hârșova and the Danube Delta and promised to come back soon.

Photo sources: Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Shutterstock, Dolphin Camping.