Tulcea is a very important centre of Romania well known to be an iconic Dacian passage to the Danube Delta, situated at approximately 345,0 kilometres north east from the Capital of the country Bucharest, an important city of the Dobrogea, a historical region situated between that emblematic waterway and the Black Sea, a vast territory shared with the nearest Bulgaria where it is called Dobruja, previously named Dobruca during the times of the long Ottoman rule.
With its approximately 74,000 inhabitants that major administrative seat of a county with the same name lies in a large plain not far from the the cities of Braila and Galati in a geographic point where that notorious river forms a large canal called Tulcea brat, an arm at the end of its long course across Central Europe and the Balkans creating two scenic fluvial branches denominated Sulina and St.Gheorghe which entirely cross the municipal boundaries.
The current city is considered for its very important chronological stages an emblematic site of the cultural heritage patrimony of the Nation boasting several monuments, notable museums, galleries elevated as a great attraction to discover the secular history of that ancient Dacian cradle and later considerable Roman colony.
Those superb exhibitions are since a long time an incentive for all those who love cultural, historic tourism with the chance to enjoy a fantastic step by step admiring all what was discovered in that land but also linked to the Biosphere Reserve of the Danube declared UNESCO Patrimony Heritage site which includes in its boundaries as one of its major centres Tulcea.
That is undoubtedly another great attraction with the chance to visit a place unique in its kinds with a stunning flora and fauna highlighted by an outstanding presence of several species of birds, a perfect site for passionate ornithologists in a natural environment absolutely unforgettable.
The biodiversity of that spectacular environment ranging from humid areas to spaces highlighted by a typical Mediterranean vegetation next to central European forests are marvellous attractions ideal for all the visitors who love nature, photographers, a special destination for trekkers and cyclists who can practise their favourite outdoor activities along trails of immense beauty surrounded by an intact natural setting.
The presence of the Danube which made the fortune of famed European capitals such as Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bratislava next to many others cities always played an important role in the local history, culturally because it was a meeting point of considerable civilisations but also economically with the advent of industries as fishing, navigation and tourism which became the main resource of that centre.
For its its strategic position as terminal of that navigable Europe's second largest river after the Volga which connects many countries starting its course in Germany in the wonderful Black Forest with its source formed by two small streams called Breg and Brigach ending in the southeastern territory of the continent since the beginning of its history the former centre took from that watercourse all what was possible becoming a very significant open gateway towards other lands with relevant trades including towards the Middle East.
That city is a great base for several radial excursions to the wild, rural interior discovering the fascination of many small centres and hamlets conserving their secular traditions or leading to the sunny coastline of the Romanian Black Sea .
You will have the opportunity to visit the historic, captivating Constanta, second centre of the Nation but also renowned seaside resorts which made the history of the tourism of that Eastern European country such as Mamaia, Costinesti and Neptun among others. (I wrote posts about those places in the case you are interested)
A good number of excellent Hotels and accommodations ready to offer a comfortable stay next a very delectable cuisine delighting the most exigent palates is another inviting aspect to taste the rich local gastronomy influenced by different settlers who left important marks also in the culinary art.
With its approximately 74,000 inhabitants that major administrative seat of a county with the same name lies in a large plain not far from the the cities of Braila and Galati in a geographic point where that notorious river forms a large canal called Tulcea brat, an arm at the end of its long course across Central Europe and the Balkans creating two scenic fluvial branches denominated Sulina and St.Gheorghe which entirely cross the municipal boundaries.
The current city is considered for its very important chronological stages an emblematic site of the cultural heritage patrimony of the Nation boasting several monuments, notable museums, galleries elevated as a great attraction to discover the secular history of that ancient Dacian cradle and later considerable Roman colony.
Those superb exhibitions are since a long time an incentive for all those who love cultural, historic tourism with the chance to enjoy a fantastic step by step admiring all what was discovered in that land but also linked to the Biosphere Reserve of the Danube declared UNESCO Patrimony Heritage site which includes in its boundaries as one of its major centres Tulcea.
That is undoubtedly another great attraction with the chance to visit a place unique in its kinds with a stunning flora and fauna highlighted by an outstanding presence of several species of birds, a perfect site for passionate ornithologists in a natural environment absolutely unforgettable.
The biodiversity of that spectacular environment ranging from humid areas to spaces highlighted by a typical Mediterranean vegetation next to central European forests are marvellous attractions ideal for all the visitors who love nature, photographers, a special destination for trekkers and cyclists who can practise their favourite outdoor activities along trails of immense beauty surrounded by an intact natural setting.
The presence of the Danube which made the fortune of famed European capitals such as Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bratislava next to many others cities always played an important role in the local history, culturally because it was a meeting point of considerable civilisations but also economically with the advent of industries as fishing, navigation and tourism which became the main resource of that centre.
For its its strategic position as terminal of that navigable Europe's second largest river after the Volga which connects many countries starting its course in Germany in the wonderful Black Forest with its source formed by two small streams called Breg and Brigach ending in the southeastern territory of the continent since the beginning of its history the former centre took from that watercourse all what was possible becoming a very significant open gateway towards other lands with relevant trades including towards the Middle East.
That city is a great base for several radial excursions to the wild, rural interior discovering the fascination of many small centres and hamlets conserving their secular traditions or leading to the sunny coastline of the Romanian Black Sea .
You will have the opportunity to visit the historic, captivating Constanta, second centre of the Nation but also renowned seaside resorts which made the history of the tourism of that Eastern European country such as Mamaia, Costinesti and Neptun among others. (I wrote posts about those places in the case you are interested)
A good number of excellent Hotels and accommodations ready to offer a comfortable stay next a very delectable cuisine delighting the most exigent palates is another inviting aspect to taste the rich local gastronomy influenced by different settlers who left important marks also in the culinary art.
According to archaeological excavations which took place some decades Prehistoric
traces were discovered in the local boudaries attesting the presence of human life preceding
the first major civilisation who settled in the Dobrogea since its foundation which took place in 8th century BC.
Was a Dacian the founder of Tulcea in that period a mythical figure called Aegisos the Caspian and that site some centuries later was mentioned with the denomination Aegyssus by Diodorus Siculus, a notorious Greek historian well known to describe in many detailed recorded manuscripts the territories of significant countries such as Egypt, Greece, Arabia, India and specific lands of importance in Europe.
Afterwards in the 1st century according to documentations dated the 3rd century BC reported by the Epistulae ex Ponto, a work in four books by Ovid, notorious Roman poet who lived during the times of the reign of Augustus named that site Carpyus Aegyssus, confirming the name of the leader of those ancient inhabitants.
In addition that iconic character described that place as a stronghold impenetrable with high walls situated near Danube very difficult to siege and conquer.
That place since its development became one of the most important ancient Dacian settlement and those ancient inhabitants occupied in a very short time several lands corresponding to the Carpathian basin and a large part o the Black Sea coastline.
That ethnic group represented a branch of an Indo-European population coming from Persia established who afterwards in different periods were assimilated by the Thracians and later by Greeks, Romans and Slavs.
After the creation of many villages those settlers started to explore the shore of that long river with their pirogues living of fishing, small trade with centres largely arose along the coast of that watercourse which since then became an iconic Dacian passage to the Danube Delta.
That population started some years later to be focused to expansions, colonisations of new territories with different fluvial departures towards new discoveries, they also established
other villages also in diverse current nations such as Bulgaria, Serbia, Moldova, Slovakia and Ukraine.
The Hellenic colonists entered in contact with that people considered very belligerent, warring and much more very difficult to subdue and tame.
The pagan Dacians believed in animals as sacred divinities and one of their venerated symbols was the wolf, for that the Greeks called them the wolwes.
That wild canid was one of the most regarded figures by that polytheist population, according to historic documentions those settlers had several contacts with those animals living in deep contact with them in the Carpathian Mountains and in the surrounding local forests.
Some historic information affirmed that including they shared a common live, many relevant confirmations came by the discovery of diverse archaeological artifacts such as sculptures, engraved stones, reliefs found in varied places of that Eastern European territory depicting wolves next to human figures.
Was a Dacian the founder of Tulcea in that period a mythical figure called Aegisos the Caspian and that site some centuries later was mentioned with the denomination Aegyssus by Diodorus Siculus, a notorious Greek historian well known to describe in many detailed recorded manuscripts the territories of significant countries such as Egypt, Greece, Arabia, India and specific lands of importance in Europe.
Afterwards in the 1st century according to documentations dated the 3rd century BC reported by the Epistulae ex Ponto, a work in four books by Ovid, notorious Roman poet who lived during the times of the reign of Augustus named that site Carpyus Aegyssus, confirming the name of the leader of those ancient inhabitants.
In addition that iconic character described that place as a stronghold impenetrable with high walls situated near Danube very difficult to siege and conquer.
That place since its development became one of the most important ancient Dacian settlement and those ancient inhabitants occupied in a very short time several lands corresponding to the Carpathian basin and a large part o the Black Sea coastline.
That ethnic group represented a branch of an Indo-European population coming from Persia established who afterwards in different periods were assimilated by the Thracians and later by Greeks, Romans and Slavs.
After the creation of many villages those settlers started to explore the shore of that long river with their pirogues living of fishing, small trade with centres largely arose along the coast of that watercourse which since then became an iconic Dacian passage to the Danube Delta.
That population started some years later to be focused to expansions, colonisations of new territories with different fluvial departures towards new discoveries, they also established
other villages also in diverse current nations such as Bulgaria, Serbia, Moldova, Slovakia and Ukraine.
The Hellenic colonists entered in contact with that people considered very belligerent, warring and much more very difficult to subdue and tame.
The pagan Dacians believed in animals as sacred divinities and one of their venerated symbols was the wolf, for that the Greeks called them the wolwes.
That wild canid was one of the most regarded figures by that polytheist population, according to historic documentions those settlers had several contacts with those animals living in deep contact with them in the Carpathian Mountains and in the surrounding local forests.
Some historic information affirmed that including they shared a common live, many relevant confirmations came by the discovery of diverse archaeological artifacts such as sculptures, engraved stones, reliefs found in varied places of that Eastern European territory depicting wolves next to human figures.
The former Dacia ceased to exist despite it resisted to several attempts of conquest with the landing of the Roman legions led by Emperor Marcus Ulpius Nerva Traianus Augustus well know as Trajan.
The Romans after that successful operation elevated in that settlement a castrum, a large camp established as headquarter for military operations of the Imperial troops and later they also erected fortified walls encircling that stronghold called De Thematibus or Notitia Episcopatuum as it was mentioned in documentations dated the 10th century.
The ancient Rome in an process of development linked to trade along that fluvial hallway established a harbour to place its fleet, the former Aegyssus became a relevant, flourishing base of that Empire generating an intense incoming by noble Patrician families closely related to the highest dynasties living in Rome.
After the fall of that Italic power due to several invaders coming from east next to a multitude raids led by numerous pirates the Roman rule had a second stage during the times of Constantinople as capital of the Empire of Orient, former Byzantium and current Istanbul.
The Byzantines re-established in the 5th century the former walled complex left by the predecessors improving the defencive system with strong towers with a domain which endured two centuries when that site was abandoned due to a multitude of barbarian invasions.
Since 681 until 1000 Tulcea fell under the influence of the first Bulgarian Kingdom date in which that site returned in the domains ot Byzantine Empire once again until 1064 when the former fort was destroyed by the Turkmens or Oguzes, a nomadic population coming from Central Asia.
Highlighted by a tumultuous past rich of historic events generated by several desires of conquest, many were the disputes with harsh clashes highlighting that period including Tulcea fell under influence of the powerful Maritime Republic of Genoa which was expanding its domains also in that geographic area.
The town was governed for a short period by the Genoese Admirals as part of the Balik County of Dobruja but the difficulties of the Ligurian Doges to defend that fluvial harbour were mainly due to logistic issues because that glorious Republic could not move in a short time its troops to that Romanian land.
The notable geographic distance and the pretty busy trade activity in the Mediterranean with in addition numerous battles with historic rivals as Pisa and Venice all around that sea complicated the conservation of that place as a colony.
In 1185 that centre fell into the domains of the Bulgarians once again, occupation which endured until the 14th century when Tulcha as it was called in Slavic language was incorporated in the Principality of Wallachia ruled by Prince Mircea cel Bătran also known as Mircea I or "The Elder.
In 1416 Tulcea after a massive campaign of invasion of the Balkans by sea and land when that land easily conquered in a pretty short time by the Ottoman Empire led by Sultan Mehment I Çelebi, son of the famous Bayezid I , also known with the nickname The Tunderbolt famous for his defeat in Ankara against Timur, well known as Tamerlane, famed Turco-Mongol conqueror.
The Romans after that successful operation elevated in that settlement a castrum, a large camp established as headquarter for military operations of the Imperial troops and later they also erected fortified walls encircling that stronghold called De Thematibus or Notitia Episcopatuum as it was mentioned in documentations dated the 10th century.
The ancient Rome in an process of development linked to trade along that fluvial hallway established a harbour to place its fleet, the former Aegyssus became a relevant, flourishing base of that Empire generating an intense incoming by noble Patrician families closely related to the highest dynasties living in Rome.
After the fall of that Italic power due to several invaders coming from east next to a multitude raids led by numerous pirates the Roman rule had a second stage during the times of Constantinople as capital of the Empire of Orient, former Byzantium and current Istanbul.
The Byzantines re-established in the 5th century the former walled complex left by the predecessors improving the defencive system with strong towers with a domain which endured two centuries when that site was abandoned due to a multitude of barbarian invasions.
Since 681 until 1000 Tulcea fell under the influence of the first Bulgarian Kingdom date in which that site returned in the domains ot Byzantine Empire once again until 1064 when the former fort was destroyed by the Turkmens or Oguzes, a nomadic population coming from Central Asia.
Highlighted by a tumultuous past rich of historic events generated by several desires of conquest, many were the disputes with harsh clashes highlighting that period including Tulcea fell under influence of the powerful Maritime Republic of Genoa which was expanding its domains also in that geographic area.
The town was governed for a short period by the Genoese Admirals as part of the Balik County of Dobruja but the difficulties of the Ligurian Doges to defend that fluvial harbour were mainly due to logistic issues because that glorious Republic could not move in a short time its troops to that Romanian land.
The notable geographic distance and the pretty busy trade activity in the Mediterranean with in addition numerous battles with historic rivals as Pisa and Venice all around that sea complicated the conservation of that place as a colony.
In 1185 that centre fell into the domains of the Bulgarians once again, occupation which endured until the 14th century when Tulcha as it was called in Slavic language was incorporated in the Principality of Wallachia ruled by Prince Mircea cel Bătran also known as Mircea I or "The Elder.
In 1416 Tulcea after a massive campaign of invasion of the Balkans by sea and land when that land easily conquered in a pretty short time by the Ottoman Empire led by Sultan Mehment I Çelebi, son of the famous Bayezid I , also known with the nickname The Tunderbolt famous for his defeat in Ankara against Timur, well known as Tamerlane, famed Turco-Mongol conqueror.
In 1848 that centre was a very active shypyard, a few years later the Turkish rulers developed an important port, since then it became a very cosmopolitan centre ,cross point of trade of several merchants on the way between the Black Sea and the Danube populated by different ethnicities such as Turks, Romanian, Bulgarians and Tatarians among others.
The Ottomans renamed the former Carpyus Aegyssus in Tolçu according to recorded maps next to historic information elevated in in those times what once was the last fortified stronghold of that Empire on the shore of the Danube.
Due to its relevance in 1860 that place became capital of a county despite it had not a large extension and an inferior population than other larger towns in its proximity.
Just a few years later it was elevated as Sanjak of Silistra Elayet part of the former Turkish province of Ochakiv, a Pashalik, a sort of administrative division receiving four years later the title of Vilayet, a city with several powers and privileges governed by Midhat Pasha, an influential Statesman during the late Tanzimat era.
The Turkish rule endured until 1878 after over four centuries of domination, the Dobrogea region was absorbed in the new emergent Kingdom of Romania after the famous Congress of Berlin, an event which determined a new design of the European borders mainly focused to establish a political stability in the Balkans often focal point of claims, diatribes with very tense situations.
That period corresponded to the advent of the Hoenzollern- Sigmaringen dynasty, a noble Swabian branch of the House of Hoenzollern occupying the Romanian Royal throne with King Carol I, an event which determined the start-up of a Royalty which governed the Nation until the 40's .
The Second Balkan War, the First World War with continue clashes between Romania and Bulgaria were times highlighted by several troubles, harsh relationships with constant movements of troops from both sides at the frontiers of those countries.
Perpetual diplomatic meetings to find a solution linked to very problematic issues, eternal conflicts found a solution only after the famous Treaty of Bucharest which took place in 1918 with a temporary truce.
That period was characterised by replacements of populations from one country to another with civilians searching refuges in the nation were they could receive protection with less discrimination.
Despite that document signed, it was not enough to keep a peaceful harmony due to many claimed territories historically considered emblematic parts of a national identity.
All ended in 1940 when those two Kingdoms found an agreement in Craiova, a Romanian city in the Oltenia Region in presence of several international powers such as Great Britain,Germany, U.S.A, France and Italy.
That meeting sanctioned the separation of the Dobrogea in two sections,the Northern territory was incorporated in the Romanian land with Tulcea while the Southern became a region under Bulgarian influence called Dobruja.
That period was not easy for the city due to a big exodus of many locals concentrated in a massive interchange of populations, the large Bulgarian colony was expelled moving to south while the Romanians residents in the Bulgarian towns close to the border had the same destiny with other groups of refuges also reaching Romania from important cities of Bulgaria as Varna and Burgas.
The local history will continue parallel to that of the entire country, after the fall of the Monarchy with the obliged abdication of King Michael I on 30th December 1947.
That event sanctioned the advent of the new Socialist regime just two years the Second World War with leader Constantin Ion Parhon who established along the Danube a rigid control with the Marine Army checking all the fluvial passage to the Delta and the access to the Black Sea.
Those times were closely related to the incorporation of Romania as a satellite State in the sphere of the Soviet Union with further relationships reinforced with the famous Pact of Warsaw signed in the major city of Poland in 1955 with the division of Europe in two blocks for many years.
The fall of the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989 with new political changes in the 90's was the first chapter after the Cold War to lead the country in more recent times to be a member of the European Community.
Perpetual diplomatic meetings to find a solution linked to very problematic issues, eternal conflicts found a solution only after the famous Treaty of Bucharest which took place in 1918 with a temporary truce.
That period was characterised by replacements of populations from one country to another with civilians searching refuges in the nation were they could receive protection with less discrimination.
Despite that document signed, it was not enough to keep a peaceful harmony due to many claimed territories historically considered emblematic parts of a national identity.
All ended in 1940 when those two Kingdoms found an agreement in Craiova, a Romanian city in the Oltenia Region in presence of several international powers such as Great Britain,Germany, U.S.A, France and Italy.
That meeting sanctioned the separation of the Dobrogea in two sections,the Northern territory was incorporated in the Romanian land with Tulcea while the Southern became a region under Bulgarian influence called Dobruja.
That period was not easy for the city due to a big exodus of many locals concentrated in a massive interchange of populations, the large Bulgarian colony was expelled moving to south while the Romanians residents in the Bulgarian towns close to the border had the same destiny with other groups of refuges also reaching Romania from important cities of Bulgaria as Varna and Burgas.
The local history will continue parallel to that of the entire country, after the fall of the Monarchy with the obliged abdication of King Michael I on 30th December 1947.
That event sanctioned the advent of the new Socialist regime just two years the Second World War with leader Constantin Ion Parhon who established along the Danube a rigid control with the Marine Army checking all the fluvial passage to the Delta and the access to the Black Sea.
Those times were closely related to the incorporation of Romania as a satellite State in the sphere of the Soviet Union with further relationships reinforced with the famous Pact of Warsaw signed in the major city of Poland in 1955 with the division of Europe in two blocks for many years.
The fall of the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu in 1989 with new political changes in the 90's was the first chapter after the Cold War to lead the country in more recent times to be a member of the European Community.
The centre of Tulcea is arranged along a beautiful coastal stretch of the Danube next to the active harbour where you can find in its immediate vicinity a good numbers of Hotels, restaurants and cafes.
Strada Gloriei is an important artery of the city boasting along its course some of the most important local highlights as the Muzeul de Istorie si Arheologie Tulcea,the Historical and Archaeological Museum of Tulcea and the Monumentul Eroilor, the iconic Heroes Monument.
Strada Pacii and Strada Babadag are two long boulevards directly leading to the heart of the centre forming an important urban network next to Strada Isaccei, another important avenue flanking the river, a relevant gateway permitting to reach in a very short time Parcul Personalitatior, a pleasant green park next to Gara Tulcea, the Railway Station.
In proximity of that wide municipal lung you can see Lacul Ciuperca , a small lake flanked by Strada Portului, a street linking that urban area to the port.
Strada Viticulturi is a long hallway representing a large belt close to the two most important municipal cemeteries also considered an important cross road at the confluence of the outputs of the central urban grid with an opening to other directions.
Culture, art, the Danube river next to relevant exhibitions are undoubtedly great highlights of the city, the latter integrated in a system developed by the Institution Tulcea Eco Research and Museums which also promote and develope many activities linked to important events and cultural meetings.
Strada Gloriei is an important artery of the city boasting along its course some of the most important local highlights as the Muzeul de Istorie si Arheologie Tulcea,the Historical and Archaeological Museum of Tulcea and the Monumentul Eroilor, the iconic Heroes Monument.
Strada Pacii and Strada Babadag are two long boulevards directly leading to the heart of the centre forming an important urban network next to Strada Isaccei, another important avenue flanking the river, a relevant gateway permitting to reach in a very short time Parcul Personalitatior, a pleasant green park next to Gara Tulcea, the Railway Station.
In proximity of that wide municipal lung you can see Lacul Ciuperca , a small lake flanked by Strada Portului, a street linking that urban area to the port.
Strada Viticulturi is a long hallway representing a large belt close to the two most important municipal cemeteries also considered an important cross road at the confluence of the outputs of the central urban grid with an opening to other directions.
Culture, art, the Danube river next to relevant exhibitions are undoubtedly great highlights of the city, the latter integrated in a system developed by the Institution Tulcea Eco Research and Museums which also promote and develope many activities linked to important events and cultural meetings.
You can start the visit along Strada Progresului visiting one of the most important exhibitions of the entire country, an iconic local symbol consisting in the Danube History Museum, an extraordinary site displaying in its rooms a superb, extensive historic chronology of what represented and represents in that geographic area that emblematic river.
Several sections are focused to the history on nature, flora, fauna, navigation while other spaces include the historical stages of the locals with protagonists sailors, fishermen, merchants who populated that Danubian area.
In addition you can visit another splendid area hosting a big aquarium containing several species of fishes coming from different continents, such as Europe, Africa, South and Central America Asia, a very extensive full immersion to know the marine life world with the chance to admire a wide variety of fauna living in different seas.
That great attraction is as a walk inside a paradise to know furthermore a multitude of other species populating fresh waters as rivers, streams, lakes and also for that feature it is a site unique in its kind.
That Museum is directly linked to The Biosphere Reserve of the Danube elevated as an iconic UNESCO Patrimony Heritage site, the bigger in the European Community, emblem of the that vast protected natural area in where lives a a very rare kind of bird belonging to the family of pelicans which became the symbol of the Coat of Arms of that lstunning attraction you can not miss during your stay in Tulcea.
The Danube Delta is a sort of paradise, a perfect, suitable environment for the survival of several types of birds, a destination of relevant appeal for passionate ornithologists, zoologists, scientists, photographers, tourists to admire that natural Eden fascinating in every aspect with over 330 species of volatiles, mammals, amphibians, fish and 3018 species of invertrebates.
About birds some of the most regarded are Dalmatian Pelican, White Pelican, White-tailed Eagle, Saker Falcon, Glossy Ibis, Syrian Woodpecker, Red-breasted Goose, European Spoonbill, European Roller, Paddyfield warbler, but you can also see terns, gulls, herons, waders, geese, cormorants, egrets, ducks among many others.
That site is an extraordinary, outstanding reserve well known all around the world to be one of the favourite, selected places for the sturgeons reproduction and as you know from their eggs is produced the famed caviar.
That territory of the Dobrogea and especially that reserve in addition are particularly rich of carp and catfish, fishing is still nowadays one of the most important resources, an activity started long time ago mainly highlighted by groups of families who generation by generation continue a secular tradition extremely rooted.
In Strada Mai you can visit the Ethnography Museum & Folk Art, a site very appropriate to discover the the local culture learning in a great journey introducing you the historical cycle highlighted by different civilisations which left important, varied cultural marks in Tulcea and Dobrogea region.
Very interesting is to know how in different periods the old inhabitants started to use the Greek and Latin letters replacing symbols, very interesting is are also to see the advent of new materials used in architecture, the advent of diverse tools at distance of some decades and to notice aspects about folk music which assimilated in different times varied instruments, creating a diverse variety of sounds closely related to different settlers.
All that created a cosmopolitan mix of cultural traditions transmitted in terms of art, folklore, handcraft to the successive populations until the present.
The museum displays a vast documentation about costumes, pictures of the region with a special attention to daily life aspects, other topics are related to specific local systems of fishing, contemporary artisanal productions, ceramic, jewelry works and in addition you can visit another space devoted to show all the local professions born in different periods.
The promenade on the river in
proximity of the port is a very lively area, pretty
cosmopolitan, despite its image changed, in a corner which was that where the Ottomans
developed a big market and a large Bazaar with very active trade activities, packed by a multitude of stalls and a vert lively, coloured atmosphere.
Today that area is still very bustling with many bars, shops, restaurants, highly frequented by
locals and tourists.
Catedrala Sfântul Nicolae, also called Biserica Bulgară, the Bulgarian Church dedicated to Saint Nikolaj, St. Nicholas is one of the most attractive monumental beauties of the city.
That stone Sacred building erected in 1906 surrounded by a lovely garden with different species of plants has that denomination because it was originally the official Parish of the Bulgarian community before those previously mentioned replacements of population ended in 1941.
As historic detail worth a special mention is after that event the 98% of the Bulgarians
emigrated to the Southern Dobrogea just one year later of the Craiova
Treaty.
It loyally reflects many canons of the traditional, architectural Orthodox-Byzantine style elevated
on an ample rectangular plan it boasts
splendid wide arcades with fine pediments inserted on its facades and a notable highlight is the presence of three scenic domed
towers all topped by Christian crosses placed on a splendid grey roof.
Next to that Sacred Temple you can see a monument in memory of the
victims died in occasion of the revolt against the Dictator Ceausescu in 1989.
It is in its kind a very significant symbol to pay homage to people who in a struggle with a sad destiny changed the history of a country moving from a Socialist dictatorship to a radical mutation after over four decades of a rigid regime determining the start-up of the democracy in Romania.
Tulcea has other religious temples linked to other communities, apart that former Bulgarian Sacred construction it shows a very cosmopolitan aspect also in other historic buildings.
It is in its kind a very significant symbol to pay homage to people who in a struggle with a sad destiny changed the history of a country moving from a Socialist dictatorship to a radical mutation after over four decades of a rigid regime determining the start-up of the democracy in Romania.
Tulcea has other religious temples linked to other communities, apart that former Bulgarian Sacred construction it shows a very cosmopolitan aspect also in other historic buildings.
One of them is called Biserica Lipovani, representing the seat of the Russian Lipovan community also called the Old Believers or Old Ritualists.
They left the motherland Russia in the 18th century, dissenters who had as leader Filipp Pustoviat leaving the traditional Orthodox Church moving to different countries such as the former Principality of Moldavia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Romania which has in its territory more than 35,000 people who embraced to that faith.
That Church is a a fine structure established on a pretty large rectangular base with a splendid high facade highlighted by four neoclassical columns supporting a huge central pediment.
The apse was developed beneath a large dark dome situated above a polygonal block in which were placed rectangular curved windows and the main attraction is undoubtedly a scenic tower with a beautiful green onion dome topped by a golden pinnacle.
Also the Islam due to the long rule of the Ottoman Empire is represented in the city with the former Azzizie Mosque erected in 1863 on a large square plan, in honour of Sultan Abdul Aziz and for that it is also called Moscheea Abdulaziz.
Apart to be a place of worship that site was also the headquarter of the Kadi, the Islamic judge and seat of the Muftiate, where operated the Mufti, the eminent expounder of the Islamic law of Tulcea.
Largely rebuilt in 1924 that light building has big facades on which were inserted symmetrical large windows, its main architectural attractions is certainly the high minaret and next to it there is a Turkish school.
That Mosque was re-arranged during the times of King Ferdinand I when the major part of the inhabitants had embraced the Christian Orthodox Religion but that Monarch decided to leave a place of worship for the Turks, Tatars and Roma Muslims who live in the city.
The Fine Art Museum situated in Strada Grigorie Antipa
is the right place if you love art, a great occasion to learn more how that Southeastern European country has produced excellent artists.
That very interesting exhibition is subdivided in different sections with a wide collection of paintings, sculptures, a gallery which is the perfect site to admire the beautiful works of a distinguished Romanian painter called Nicolae Grigorescu considered the father of the Modern painting in the country.
That renowned character moved very young to Bucharest from his native Pitaru, a town of Wallachia, a figure who was well known in the 19th century because he painted some iconic monasteries of Romania among them the Churches of Agapia and Zamfira.
Grigorescu afterwards emigrated to Paris studying at the iconic Ecole des Beaux- Arts of the French Capital as pupil of Sebastien Cornu colleague in those times of Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
That artist was attracted during his French soujourn by the emblematic Barbizon School , that artistic movement pretty linked to the Realism but deeply rooted in Romantic executions.
In his works you will admire how that style was absorbed by that artist highlighted by stylish shades in the backgrounds, defined human shapes of different characters, magnificent portraits of people with an exaltation of facial expressions as real pictures.
Superb protagonists of that stunning museum are in addition the fine works by Theodor Pallady, a successful Romanian painter who moved very young to Germany and later to Paris becoming member of the famed Matisse school, a very talented artist highly considered abroad especially in France.
Very evident is the French influence who took that great painter, all is extremely visible in the imprint of his lines, shapes, varied use of colours, splendid perspectives and in his works you will notice how lights and shades accentuate together the human silhouettes.
Some other excellent representations are concentrated to flowers and fruit in determined environments reminiscent in something the magnificent masterpieces by that great Dutch genius called Vincent Van Gogh.
A space of that splendid exhibition is devoted to Oriental Art with a brilliant section mainly dedicated to decorative executions of different kinds of items while another one displays pieces of the Byzantine period until the most recent Orthodox artistic movements with a relevant presence of fine icons.
That very interesting exhibition is subdivided in different sections with a wide collection of paintings, sculptures, a gallery which is the perfect site to admire the beautiful works of a distinguished Romanian painter called Nicolae Grigorescu considered the father of the Modern painting in the country.
That renowned character moved very young to Bucharest from his native Pitaru, a town of Wallachia, a figure who was well known in the 19th century because he painted some iconic monasteries of Romania among them the Churches of Agapia and Zamfira.
Grigorescu afterwards emigrated to Paris studying at the iconic Ecole des Beaux- Arts of the French Capital as pupil of Sebastien Cornu colleague in those times of Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
That artist was attracted during his French soujourn by the emblematic Barbizon School , that artistic movement pretty linked to the Realism but deeply rooted in Romantic executions.
In his works you will admire how that style was absorbed by that artist highlighted by stylish shades in the backgrounds, defined human shapes of different characters, magnificent portraits of people with an exaltation of facial expressions as real pictures.
Superb protagonists of that stunning museum are in addition the fine works by Theodor Pallady, a successful Romanian painter who moved very young to Germany and later to Paris becoming member of the famed Matisse school, a very talented artist highly considered abroad especially in France.
Very evident is the French influence who took that great painter, all is extremely visible in the imprint of his lines, shapes, varied use of colours, splendid perspectives and in his works you will notice how lights and shades accentuate together the human silhouettes.
Some other excellent representations are concentrated to flowers and fruit in determined environments reminiscent in something the magnificent masterpieces by that great Dutch genius called Vincent Van Gogh.
A space of that splendid exhibition is devoted to Oriental Art with a brilliant section mainly dedicated to decorative executions of different kinds of items while another one displays pieces of the Byzantine period until the most recent Orthodox artistic movements with a relevant presence of fine icons.
Situated in Strada Gloriei, the Historical and Archaeological Museum also worth a visit. That outstanding exhibition is a must because it hosts the treasures of the past of the region with magnificent artifacts consisting in a large collection of tools, different objects, utensils with handcrafts dated the Dacian and Roman times.
The relevant patrimony displayed in the rooms of that great site is especially focused to show in addition the rests linked to the Roman Empire during the period of Emperor Trajan.
That extensive exposition is aimed to shows the visitor how the region and the city had a notable active artistic life, probably for number of pieces displayed it is one of the most complete museums of Romania and of the Balkans regarding Archaeology and Roman art boasting in its sections over 80,000 items.
You will have have in addition the chance to admire a wide collection of coins, works in ceramic, bronze, sculptures and a marvellous chronological documentation since the foundation of the former Carpyus Aegyssus before the Roman occupation.
Next to that great highlight you can see the Monumentul Erolul, a high stone Obelisk situated on a platform reachable by a wide, majestic step, a monument erected in honour of the Romanian heroes flanked by statues depicting an eagle and a soldier.
It was established to pay homage to an important historic event consisting in the Dobrogea Independence remembering the time of the annexation to the former Kingdom of Romania in 1877.
You can continue the visit with Parcul Ciuperca, a big green urban lung very appropriate to have a relaxing walk, a charming environment because it surrounds a small scenic lake situated at a few metres from the river.
In that point along Strada Ivanov Dumitru, a road flanking that verdant space you can admire a splendid bend of the Danube with the chance to take some great pictures also towards Tudor Vladimirescu Peninsula, a scenic rounded headland situated on the opposite shore.
Another panoramic view of that iconic waterway I suggest you it is in proximity of Strada Digului, a long street situated at approximately 1,5 kilometres from the city centre. In that point you will admire one of the most fascinating straight of that stunning fluvial passage to the Danube delta flowing towards the eastern boundaries of Tulcea.
The city is also the seat of an important event annually held since 1992, the George Georgescu Contest, a music competition focused on Classical Music created by eminent musicians and teachers of Tulcea Arts High School to pay homage to that character who gave the name to that appointment who was conductor of Bucharest Philarmonica Orchestra after the First World War and collaborator of the unforgettable composer George Enescu.
The local gastronomy is simply excellent, you will find fine restaurants with many chances to taste delectable local plates loyal to the oldest culinary traditions.
Romanian cuisine despite has its own, marked identity absorbed several influences by Turkish ,Greek and Slavic populations and you will easily notice all that.
You can taste a large variety of fish such as carp, catfish, pike, trout prepared in different styles such as grilled,fried, boiled, or baked adding aromatic herbs such as laurel, parsley, coriander and cumin among others.
The Saramura is an iconic speciality, an exquisite carp barbecued on a spit and very appreciated is also stuffed pike.
A wide selection of Ciorba inherited by the Turks is certainly another culinary highlight consisting in soups prepared with chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and pork meats adding different kinds vegetables.
Some of the most popular are the Ciorba de perisoare, a meatball soup, a further is the Ciorba de burta made with tripe or well known is the Ciorba taraneasca boasting two versions, one mixing meat and vegetables and another just using the second ingredients.
The delicious Sarmale is a practically the National replica of the Slavic Sarma made with cabbage, grape or chard leaves wrapping minced meat, rice ,vegetables or in a special variant with main ingredient chopped nuts.
You will be also delighted by a local Mousaca clearly of Hellenic heritage, pretty similar to that prepared in Greece. If you want to taste something else very typical try the Tochitura, a meat stew seasoned with different kinds of spices and a notable quantity of onion.
The famed Mici are kinds of meatballs made with beef or pork meats seasoned with adding pepper, chilli and thyme while another very famous dish is the Fasole cu Carnati, typical sausages accompanied by stewed beans.
About desserts the renowned Cozonac is a highlight, it is a pretty sweet bread filled with cream cheese, walnuts, poppy seeds or a further one is the Papanasi, a sort of cheese donut generally topped with sour cream and fruit preserve.
The International Airport Mihail Kogalniceanu of Constanta is the closest airport located at 132,0 kilometres south of the city and in about two hours driving by E87 motorway you can reach Tulcea in a very easy way
I added below some links with suggested accommodations and useful information if you have intentions to visit that centre in future and naturally if you need some information more do not hesitate to contact me.
The relevant patrimony displayed in the rooms of that great site is especially focused to show in addition the rests linked to the Roman Empire during the period of Emperor Trajan.
That extensive exposition is aimed to shows the visitor how the region and the city had a notable active artistic life, probably for number of pieces displayed it is one of the most complete museums of Romania and of the Balkans regarding Archaeology and Roman art boasting in its sections over 80,000 items.
You will have have in addition the chance to admire a wide collection of coins, works in ceramic, bronze, sculptures and a marvellous chronological documentation since the foundation of the former Carpyus Aegyssus before the Roman occupation.
Next to that great highlight you can see the Monumentul Erolul, a high stone Obelisk situated on a platform reachable by a wide, majestic step, a monument erected in honour of the Romanian heroes flanked by statues depicting an eagle and a soldier.
It was established to pay homage to an important historic event consisting in the Dobrogea Independence remembering the time of the annexation to the former Kingdom of Romania in 1877.
You can continue the visit with Parcul Ciuperca, a big green urban lung very appropriate to have a relaxing walk, a charming environment because it surrounds a small scenic lake situated at a few metres from the river.
In that point along Strada Ivanov Dumitru, a road flanking that verdant space you can admire a splendid bend of the Danube with the chance to take some great pictures also towards Tudor Vladimirescu Peninsula, a scenic rounded headland situated on the opposite shore.
Another panoramic view of that iconic waterway I suggest you it is in proximity of Strada Digului, a long street situated at approximately 1,5 kilometres from the city centre. In that point you will admire one of the most fascinating straight of that stunning fluvial passage to the Danube delta flowing towards the eastern boundaries of Tulcea.
The city is also the seat of an important event annually held since 1992, the George Georgescu Contest, a music competition focused on Classical Music created by eminent musicians and teachers of Tulcea Arts High School to pay homage to that character who gave the name to that appointment who was conductor of Bucharest Philarmonica Orchestra after the First World War and collaborator of the unforgettable composer George Enescu.
The local gastronomy is simply excellent, you will find fine restaurants with many chances to taste delectable local plates loyal to the oldest culinary traditions.
Romanian cuisine despite has its own, marked identity absorbed several influences by Turkish ,Greek and Slavic populations and you will easily notice all that.
You can taste a large variety of fish such as carp, catfish, pike, trout prepared in different styles such as grilled,fried, boiled, or baked adding aromatic herbs such as laurel, parsley, coriander and cumin among others.
The Saramura is an iconic speciality, an exquisite carp barbecued on a spit and very appreciated is also stuffed pike.
A wide selection of Ciorba inherited by the Turks is certainly another culinary highlight consisting in soups prepared with chicken, turkey, beef, lamb and pork meats adding different kinds vegetables.
Some of the most popular are the Ciorba de perisoare, a meatball soup, a further is the Ciorba de burta made with tripe or well known is the Ciorba taraneasca boasting two versions, one mixing meat and vegetables and another just using the second ingredients.
The delicious Sarmale is a practically the National replica of the Slavic Sarma made with cabbage, grape or chard leaves wrapping minced meat, rice ,vegetables or in a special variant with main ingredient chopped nuts.
You will be also delighted by a local Mousaca clearly of Hellenic heritage, pretty similar to that prepared in Greece. If you want to taste something else very typical try the Tochitura, a meat stew seasoned with different kinds of spices and a notable quantity of onion.
The famed Mici are kinds of meatballs made with beef or pork meats seasoned with adding pepper, chilli and thyme while another very famous dish is the Fasole cu Carnati, typical sausages accompanied by stewed beans.
About desserts the renowned Cozonac is a highlight, it is a pretty sweet bread filled with cream cheese, walnuts, poppy seeds or a further one is the Papanasi, a sort of cheese donut generally topped with sour cream and fruit preserve.
The International Airport Mihail Kogalniceanu of Constanta is the closest airport located at 132,0 kilometres south of the city and in about two hours driving by E87 motorway you can reach Tulcea in a very easy way
I added below some links with suggested accommodations and useful information if you have intentions to visit that centre in future and naturally if you need some information more do not hesitate to contact me.
That Romanian city is a very interesting destination, that iconic passage to the Danube Delta definitely has a lot to narrate with a secular history, a great opportunity to discover a place which had several considerable civilisations as protagonists boasting a very high historic patrimony.
Apart that you will be enchanted by the a marvellous nature of that land, ,certainly a superb combination for every tourist who want to enjoy during holidays those two opportunities in a nutshell.
The several relevant museums and that great attraction to visit the Biosphere Reserve of that important river elevated as UNESCO Patrimony site are other great reasons to discover that corner of Eastern Europe visiting a place as Tulcea, a destination more than suggested for all those who love to enjoy a great, complete tourism.
Apart that you will be enchanted by the a marvellous nature of that land, ,certainly a superb combination for every tourist who want to enjoy during holidays those two opportunities in a nutshell.
The several relevant museums and that great attraction to visit the Biosphere Reserve of that important river elevated as UNESCO Patrimony site are other great reasons to discover that corner of Eastern Europe visiting a place as Tulcea, a destination more than suggested for all those who love to enjoy a great, complete tourism.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accommodations in Tulcea
Hotel Insula
Hotel Esplanada
Hotel Delta
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Thanks a lot to read and note.