Jurilovca – between historical and natural heritage

The village of Jurilovca, hidden between the tranquil waters of the Razim-Sinoe lagoon complex and the wild and ravishing landscapes of the Danube Delta, attracts thousands of tourists every year eager to discover the unique charm of this corner of nature in our country. With a fascinating history, an authentic community and countless opportunities for relaxation or adventure, this Lipovennes village in northern Dobrogea is the perfect place for a memorable getaway. 

Whether on water or land, you’ll find something to delight you. This area offers activities to suit all tastes, from exploring ancient ruins and canal walks to tasting local fish delicacies. Next, you’ll discover Jurilovca’s fascinating history, cultural particularities and suggestions for activities and sights in the area. 

• Jurilovca – a brief history of a deep-rooted community 
• How to get to Jurilovca commune
• Accommodation Jurilovca – what to choose
• 14 tourist attractions in Jurilovca and nearby
• What else to do in Jurilovca

Jurilovca – a brief history of a deep-rooted community 

The village of Jurilovca was founded in the early 19th century by Lipovans who had fled from Tsarist Russia. They brought with them both religious beliefs and deep-rooted fishing traditions, which have become the economic foundation of the locality, Jurilovca being the largest fishing community in the Delta. In addition to fishing, the main occupation, the village preserves a unique cultural heritage and customs handed down from generation to generation. 

Russian-Lipovans are the descendants of the Starovers, the Old Rite believers who left Tsarist Russia between the 17th and 19th centuries as a result of the religious reforms initiated by Patriarch Nikon and Alexei Romanov. They refused the changes and were persecuted, which led them to emigrate to various parts of the world. In our country, they came as early as the beginning of the 17th century, when they first settled in northern Moldavia and later in Dobrogea. 

The specificity of today’s community is linked to the well-preserved Lipovenetian traditions and the privileged position of the locality on the shore of the Razim-Sinoe lagoon complex. The residents celebrate religious holidays according to the Julian calendar, 14 days later than the Gregorian calendar, and the most important holiday is the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Pokrov), celebrated on October 14, which coincides with the three-day Fish Day. 

The origin of the name “Lipovenes” remains a subject of debate. Some historians suggest that the name derives from “Lipova”, a term related to linden forests, while others believe it comes from the name of the leader Filip Pustosviat. 

At the end of the 19th century, there were about 470 Lipovenetian families and a few Jewish families. At that time, Jurilovca was already recognized as a fishing center, exporting black roe and smoked fish. 

Traditions and unique community elements 

• Lipovenetian houses are easily recognizable by their blue-white colours and thatched roofs;
• The Lipovenetian bathroom is another distinct element, as it is a separate construction from the dwelling; 
• Traditional dress is compulsory in church and is another special feature of the community; 
• Rabinuska and Juraveli folk ensembles, which keep traditions alive with authentic performances. 

How to get to Jurilovca commune

Jurilovca is an easy destination to reach, whether you choose to travel by road or by water. The road to this locality is well marked from the east of Tulcea County, and once you open the gate to this place, you will discover the authentic beauty of the Delta and the Lipovans. 

The locality is crossed by DJ 222, which makes it easy to get around, no matter where you come from. If you start from Constanța, the route on the E87 will guide you to the commune of Baia, and from there a signpost will direct you to Jurilovca, where you’ll arrive in just a few minutes. If you’re coming to Jurilovca from Tulcea, you can opt for the scenic route through Sarichioi and Enisala, with its beautiful landscapes. 

Find out more about Enisala Fortress, which once stood on the border between East and West!

For those coming from other directions, an important landmark is the intersection known as 2 Cantoane, and from there, follow the road signposted to Jurilovca. 

Accommodation Jurilovca – what to choose

When choosing accommodation in Jurilovca, keep in mind when you want to visit this destination. As it is an increasingly popular tourist spot, early booking is essential. 

Modern guesthouses or traditional houses? 

In Jurilovca you will find a wide range of accommodation options to suit all preferences, from traditional houses to tourist complexes in Jurilovca. The modern guesthouses in the area are equipped with all the amenities for a comfortable stay and are ideal for those who want contemporary comfort combined with picturesque scenery. 

On the other hand, for an authentic experience, you can opt to stay in traditional Lviv houses, which will give you the opportunity to get closer to culture and traditions in a unique way. The rooms are arranged in such a way as to ensure comfort, but the design retains authentic elements to give you the chance to experience everyday life as a Lipovanian. The houses are built from natural materials such as clay, straw, wood and stone. 

And because you can easily reach Gura Portiței from this town, many accommodation options in Jurilovca Gura Portiței include offers that combine comfort with easy access to this unique destination.

Whatever your choice, Jurilovca will offer you a memorable stay. 

14 tourist attractions in Jurilovca and nearby

Jurilovca is more than a place with a rich history, it is an ideal destination for people who want to enjoy recreational activities and explore nature. Here are 14 attractions you shouldn’t miss:

1. Jurilovca mini-tourist port

This is the heart of the village, where tradition, nature and modernity meet. In 2023, Jurilovca’s mini-tourist port was modernized, turning it into a point of attraction that enhances the landscape of the area. The promenade is equipped with benches and swings, an ideal place to relax and admire the landscape.  

The town’s charm is largely due to its location on the shores of Lake Golovița, and a visit to the mini-port is the best way to see this. As well as the new harbor, you’ll also find the old one nearby, which is the starting point for the ferry boats to Gura Portiței. 

To get to the mini-port you will have to get to the center of Jurilovca, and on the way you will have the opportunity to admire the traditional blue houses of Dobrogea. When you arrive in front of the town hall, follow the signpost that will point you in the direction of the mini-port, and on the way you can admire the old Orthodox church. 

Near the harbor, you can see buildings that evoke the history of the locality, such as the Fish Farming Society, which operated for decades, was the center of fish processing and supported the local economy. You’ll also notice the former cannery, a white building reminiscent of the times when fishing was the main occupation of the villagers. 

2. Jurilovca Beach – a corner of nature and history 

Located close to the remains of the Greco-Roman fortress of Argamum, Jurilovca Beach, also known as the beach of Cape Dolosman, is a destination that delights you with spectacular scenery. You can take the road by car, guided by the signpost to the fortress, and continue on foot from the special parking lot for about one kilometer inside the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve. 

The beach is a little paradise of rounded stones, shaped by the water over time, where you can also find fragments of inscriptions, shards of clay pots or even parts of amorphous.  

As well as sunbathing and swimming, the beach is perfect for angling or exploring the surroundings, such as the Argamum fortress or the cliffs of the Chubby Man’s Head. 

3. Lipovenetian houses in Jurilovca 

Carefully restored traditional Lipov Slovene houses tell the authentic stories of life lived by the Russian-Lipovans. Their unique architecture, wooden decorations and colors keep the memory of yesteryear alive, and some of them have become museums or guesthouses where you can stay. 

4. Gura Portiței – where the Danube and the Black Sea meet 

This place is unique in Europe and captures the place where the wild landscapes of the Danube Delta combine with the quiet beaches of the Black Sea. This resort is accessible only by boat and is ideal for a relaxing vacation.  

As for accommodation, you can choose either camping or rustic guesthouses. The charm is complemented by the fine sand and clear water. 

Discover the charm of the Danube Delta! Enjoy a boat trip where you can admire the wildlife and the magic of this place.

The ruins of Histria, the oldest settlement in Romania, preserve traces of the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines. It was founded in the 7th century BC and was an important trading center. 

You can explore the ruins and its dedicated museum. 

6. Orgame/Argamum Fortress 

At Cape Dolosman, the Orgame/Argamum archaeological site reveals a history dating back over 5000 years. The site was founded by the Greeks and transformed over time by the Romans. 

The fortress offers spectacular views of Lake Razim. 

7. Razim Lake 

It is the largest freshwater lake in Romania, impressive for its biodiversity, habitat for rare birds and numerous species of fish. 

Due to the fact that it is very close to Jurilovca, it can be explored by boat and is a perfect destination for nature lovers. 

8. Sacalin Island 

This is the only island that rotates thanks to currents and wind. Sacalin Island is a biosphere reserve, home to rare bird species including crested pelicans. 

The surroundings are ideal for fishing and the island is part of a protected ecosystem. 

9. Babadag Forest Nature Reserve

Babadag Forest is an ancient forest covering 524 hectares, home to rare species of plants and insects, including orchids.

The atmosphere is quiet, the only thing you can hear is the hum of cicadas. 

10. Danube Delta 

The Danube Delta is the best-known tourist attraction in Tulcea County and one of the most appreciated in Europe, which impresses with its spectacular landscapes and unique biodiversity.

This magical place has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992 and is one of the top destinations for nature lovers, with a complex ecosystem where hundreds of rare species of birds, plants and animals cohabit. 

Here you can fish, go boating, canoeing, kayaking and kayaking, and enjoy the area’s typical cuisine. 

Looking for accommodation in the Danube Delta? We are waiting for you at Dolphin Camping, where you can connect with nature.

11. Wolf’s Grind Reserve 

This is a wilderness area, a strip of sand between the Razim and Sinoie lakes, and is habitat for jackals and wild boar. 

12. Periteasca-Leahova Nature Reserve 

It is located in the Razim-Sinoye lagoon complex and is home to a variety of bird species, including pelicans and red-breasted geese. 

13. Ceaplace Island Scientific Reserve 

This 0.6-hectare island is protected by UNESCO and is home to endangered species such as the crested pelican. It has been reinforced to prevent erosion and provide a safe habitat. 

14. Bisericuța and Popina islands 

Bisericuța Island is a small, reed-covered island and a nesting place for white cheliflar. The island also has archaeological remains, medieval fortifications and Greek and Roman settlements. 

Popina Island covers 98 hectares and is a protected area with rare species of plants and animals, even black widow spiders. The island is also home to hot springs, but is a no-go zone to protect the ecosystem. 

What else to do in Jurilovca 

As well as the beauty of the place, there are exciting experiences on offer. For example, you can explore the area by kayak or venture out on bike trails. 

In May and June, you can also visit the Fairy Garden on the shores of Lake Golovitsa, where you can discover a multitude of Rosa Damascena roses. Here you can take great photos and buy jam or syrup made from the petals of these roses. 

In addition, try traditional fish dishes, cooked according to Lipovene recipes. From chowder to brine, the dishes are so tasty, they’re said to ‘lick your fingers’. 

So, Jurilovca is more than a tourist destination, it’s where history, culture and nature come together to create an unforgettable experience. If you’re thinking of a getaway in the heart of the Delta, don’t forget to include Jurilovca on your list. 

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