Discover the Medieval Fortress of Severin, a place with an impressive history! Built starting from the 13th century, on the left bank of the Danube, the Severin Fortress was the subject-matter of a continuous religious and military dispute between the Hungarian Kingdom, the Bulgarians and the Wallachian voivodes. Here, the second Orthodox Metropolis was founded in 1370, but also the Latin Diocese of Severin in 1382.
The Severin Fortress was the political and administrative centre of the Severin Banate. Its key position would give it a significant role during its three centuries of existence, in political, strategic and military, but also economic terms, through its intense trade connections with the Lower Danube. From the second half of the 14th century on, the fortress became a true bastion of the anti-Ottoman resistance, but also a precious pearl of the crown of Wallachian rulers.
Its history involved Ioanite Knights, Teutonic Knights, but also important figures such as Sigismund of Luxembourg, Mircea the Elder, Vlad the Dragon, John Hunyadi.
Visiting the Severin Fortress, you will enter the medieval atmosphere with the help of exhibitions of weapons, armour and torture devices, but also of the beautiful collections of costumes and musical instruments. A few belvedere points will give you a wonderful view of the Danube, an extra reason to cross its threshold and enjoy a unique experience!
Brief historical insight
One of the rulers of Wallachia, who also held the title of Ban of Severin, is Mircea the Elder. He ruled over the Severin Fortress in 1387-1418. During this time, the Severin Fortress became one of the most important strategic, military and economic points of interest in South-Eastern Europe.
In 1406, Sigismund of Luxembourg and Mircea the Elder met in Severin to devise a new anti-Ottoman battle plan to drive the Turks out of the Balkans.
At present, one of the halls in the Severin Fortress bears the name of the Romanian voivode and a beautiful monument dedicated to him can be seen here.
Architectural features
The Severin Fortress has two stone fortified enclosures. The first dates back from the second half of the 13th century and the second from the beginning of the 15th century.
In the north-eastern corner of the first fortified enclosure, there was an imposing donjon. It is also known as Severus' Tower.
You will find the ruins of the church inside the fortress. The plan of the building is quadrilateral, with the apse polygonal on the outside and semicircular on the inside. The nave was separated from the narthex by two pillars. The church was made of brick layers alternating with limestone blocks. The material came from some constructions dating from the Roman period.
Unique experiences
If you are in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, you can choose a meeting with ancient history by visiting the Drobeta Roman Camp. It is located in the Porțile de Fier Regional Museum, one of the most beautiful museums in the country, which welcomes you with exhibitions of archaeology and history, ethnography and folk art, but also natural sciences.
Here you can also see the Roman baths, the amphitheatre, as well as one of the main legs of Trajan's Bridge, built according to the plans of the imperial architect Apollodorus of Damascus.
We also recommend a visit to the Castle of Arts (former Water Castle), where there is a vertical museum with unique exhibitions, some unique in Romania.
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