The Nistor Kula

The kula is situated on Gârdanului Hill, in the village of Cerneți, commune of Șimian, in Mehedinți County, approximately 9 km away from the town of Drobeta Turnu Severin and in close proximity to Tudor Vladimirescu's Kula. Before the foundation of Severin, Cerneți served as the capital of Mehedinți County for several centuries.

Built around the year 1800, Nistor Kula complements the diversity of architectural forms specific to the region. With a ground floor gently embedded in the hill and a porch adorned with carved pillars and a welcoming atmosphere, Nistor Kula offers an insight into the architectural tradition specific to Oltenia. The bright and spacious rooms, with entrances from the porch, harmoniously blend wooden and stone elements, creating a unique atmosphere.

In the history of Romania, kulas represent constructions with a dual role, both for defense and dwelling. They emerged in the 18th century, in a specific social and political context, and gradually adapted to new requirements. The building is scheduled to be restored and introduced into the tourist circuit, becoming a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Not far from Tudor Vladimirescu's kula lies Nistor Kula, inaccurately named so, as it was built by Iordache Sălișteanu, one of Tudor's captains. The kula was erected in 1810 and was burnt down by the Turks in 1815. After Tudor's defeat in 1821, Captain Nistor and a few pandurs returned to Gârdanului Hill and built, on the site of Sălișteanu's kula, a beautiful and modest kula with certain architectural qualities.

Just 10 minutes away from Nistor Kula are the ruins of Ada Kaleh Fortress. The first fortress on the former Ada Kaleh island was built in the 15th century by Iancu of Hunedoara. In 1520, the island was occupied by the Turks and was named Ada Kaleh.

Another attraction that can be visited is the Archaeological Complex in Drobeta Turnu Severin, which includes: