Short description: Although Tulcea is a rather small town, it offers many attractions. It would be a shame if you didn’t stop in this beautiful city for a few moments on your way to the Danube Delta. One of the most beautiful destinations in Tulcea is undoubtedly the Aquarium, the largest in Eastern Europe. You can also visit some beautiful monasteries here, such as Celic-Dere, Cocos and Saon, just to mention the most important ones.
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More information – Historical Attractions Sightseeing features
In addition to the monasteries and the aquarium, the Mäcin Mountains National Park is also worth a visit. It is the only national park in Romania where large areas of steppe vegetation are protected.
Tulcea is the capital of the Tulcea district of the same name and consists of the towns of Cäslita, Tudor Vladimirescu and Tulcea. The city lies on seven hills, and was a continuously inhabited settlement that existed around 2900-2200 BC. arose. The city declined under Turkish rule between 1420 and 1877, but recovered with the opening of the Sulina Canal. Tulcea was first mentioned in documents in 1506. It was settled by German colonists, the Dobruja Germans, who had to leave the area in 1940 due to their resettlement in the German Reich. After the end of World War II, the city was expanded and modernized. Tulcea currently covers an area of 115 square kilometers and has a population of 68,608 people. It is an industrial, modern city and has an important port for both passenger ships and merchant ships.
Sightseeing features
The Center for Ecotourism Danube Delta
This facility is one of Tulcea’s draws as it is home to the largest aquarium in Eastern Europe. The aquarium opened its doors to the public on February 25, 2009. It doesn’t take much time to visit, but once you’re there, you’re immersed in a world of grace, beauty and magic. The museum has three levels, all of which, like the whole building, are built in a modern style.
The aquariums are located in the basement and are the main attraction of the building. The first tank is cylindrical and has a tube through which you can walk to feel “under water”. Then follow a few narrow rooms with large aquariums and a glass tunnel under the museum’s largest tank, which houses sturgeons.
On the ground floor, one can watch documentaries about the Danube Delta and Dobrogea.
On the upper floor, several dioramas show typical plants and animals of the region and the delta. Traditional objects are also presented. There is also a small botanical garden, a children’s playground and a conference room.
You can also enjoy a delicious cake here in the café and relax for a few moments.
At the exit you can still admire a pool with turtles or buy a souvenir from the souvenir shop.
Celic-Dere Monastery
The monastery complex is located in the north of Dobrogea and is one of the most important spiritual centers between the Danube and the Black Sea. The name comes from the river Celic-Dere, which means “river of steel” in Turkish, because some ancient weapons were found here. The monastery is located 25 km southwest of Tulcea. The monastery complex has some buildings with monk cells. In the yard you will find grass meadows, flowers, shrubs, trees and walkways with benches for moments of rest. The monastery has an extensive collection of ancient ecclesiastical art with many objects of historical, artistic and documentary value, such as B.: 27 documents in Turkish, Arabic and Persian, Serban Cantacuzino’s Bible from 1688, an icon of the Mother of God from 1600 and manuscripts from the period 1696-1898.
Here you can find a few moments of silence and meditation, surrounded by an impressive backdrop and architecture that is certainly worth a visit.
Cocos Monastery
Cocos Monastery is located 35 km from Tulcea and is run by a monastic community. The monastery is located in a secluded place, on a hillside surrounded by fragrant linden forests. The first documented mention dates back to 1679.
In 1833, the monks Visarion, Gherontie and Isaia bought a plot of land and built a small church there out of wattle and daub. The church survived until 1840, when it was demolished and a memorial cross was placed. In 1853, the monk Visarion built a new church, this time in stone and brick, thanks to the generous donations of a wealthy Transylvanian shepherd. After the War of Independence the towers of the church were built and between 1862 and 1884 the monumental and massive bell tower, 30 meters high and still visible today.
The monastery has a museum with ancient icons and religious artifacts from the surrounding parishes. The museum also houses a collection of ancient religious books.
Macin Mountains National Park
The Mäcin Mountains National Park is located in the south-eastern part of Romania, north-west of Tulcea County and is a nature reserve of national interest. Since the Mäcin Mountains are the oldest rock formations in the country, the national park was established in 2000 for the conservation, scientific and tourist promotion of the area. Located in the north-east of the Dobrogea Plateau, this national park covers the administrative areas of the municipalities of Cerna, Greci, Hamacearca, Jilava, Luncavita and Turcoia.
Due to tectonic movements, a mountain range with a high geological complexity was formed, one can find here metamorphic rocks from the Paleozoic or igneous rocks formed during the Variscan orogeny. Trees such as beech, oak, hornbeam, Turkey oak and sessile oak can be found in the park’s forests. There is also steppe vegetation with downy oaks, bushes, meadows and swamps. The fauna of the national park is just as diverse and is home to several species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Here you can spend a whole day enjoying nature and relaxing far from the city noise.
Are you interested in hotels, guesthouses and apartments in Tulcea? Please click here!
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