Fortresses

The area of the Danube Delta has quite a lot to show when it comes to fortresses and archaeological sites. Here one can find the only medieval fortification in Dobrogea, the Enisala fortress a.k.a. Yeni-Sale or Heracleea (alternative ancient names) which was built in the 1300s for military purposes being strategically located on a calcareous hill called “Dealul Gras”, near lakes Babadag and Razim, from where the area could be watched over and protected against attacks coming by land or by sea.

The archaeological excavations carried out here led to the discovery of 12 medieval dwellings as well as two dwellings from the first Iron Age. Various coins covering a long period of time, from the Roman era to the 18th century, were also discovered, as well as numerous ceramic elements. A small museum was opened near the citadel, where one can learn more information about the fortress and its surroundings – flora, relief and also about Enisala – Palanca, the archaeological site nearby.

Another site of great significance for the millennial history of the area is Argamum-Orgame citadel located in the vicinity of Jurilovca village. This it is said to have been the first town in Dobrogea, being registered at the end of the 6th century BC. In addition to the historical value, tourists can also enjoy here a special scenery, as the citadel watches over lakes Razim and Golovița near Cape Doloșman, the only rocky cliff on the Romanian coast.