Roman Fort of Drobeta
Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Mehedinți County · Oltenia
About Roman Fort of Drobeta
The fort at Drobeta was built in Trajan's time, between the two Dacian wars, to defend the northern end of the bridge over the Danube designed by Apollodorus of Damascus. It was the first stone fortification in Dacia and at first housed about 500 soldiers. Its plan is rectangular, about 123 × 137 m, and the main gate, the porta praetoria, is not on the side facing the enemy, as was usual, but on the side facing the Danube, towards the bridge. The fort was rebuilt several times; the largest rebuilding dates from the early 4th century, in the time of Constantine the Great or his successors. Archaeological research began in the late 19th century and continued through the 20th.
At the centre stood the headquarters building, the principia, with a paved courtyard surrounded by porticoes and the sacred room where the standards were kept. Around it were storehouses, quarters for officers and soldiers, weapon stores and other buildings. Two parallel walls protected the exit towards the bridge and the military harbour.
What you can see
The walls and foundations of the fort were restored in 2013–2016 and can now be followed along laid-out paths: the stone perimeter wall, the layout of the buildings inside, a paved stretch and, above a tower, a glass pavilion. A panel on the site shows how to read the plan of the fort, and the Danube is visible from the level of the ruins. The fort is part of the archaeological park in the museum courtyard, together with the Roman baths, the military amphitheatre and the pier of Trajan's Bridge, all nearby but covered separately.
Good to know
The site is visited in the open air, in the courtyard of the Iron Gates Region Museum, which manages it. A larger rehabilitation of the museum complex, with partial reconstructions and a belvedere tower, was announced by Mehedinți County Council, but the sources found do not confirm that it has been completed; as of the latest public news, from June 2025, the ruins of the fort could be visited. Check the opening hours and prices with the museum before you go.
Information verified on 12 October 2026.
- The perimeter wall and the layout of the buildings inside, restored in 2013–2016.
- The porta praetoria facing the Danube, an exception to the rule for Roman forts.
- The principia, the headquarters building, with its paved courtyard and porticoes.
- The view towards the Danube from the museum courtyard.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the fort is in the centre of Drobeta-Turnu Severin, in the museum courtyard on Independenței Street, close to the Danube bank. The town is on the DN6 (E70), about 120 km from Craiova and about 50 km from Orșova.
Public transport: Drobeta-Turnu Severin has a CFR railway station; from there you can reach the centre by city transport or taxi.
- Where to park
Public parking on the streets around the museum; parking hours and fees are set by the city hall.
- Fees & discounts
The museum lists a full ticket of 40 lei for adults and 10 lei for children; it does not say whether the archaeological park has a separate ticket. The România Atractivă page gives 8 lei for adults and 2 lei for pupils, but it is not an official source. Confirm the price at the museum desk.
- Rules
A site protected by law: stay on the paths, do not climb on the walls and do not take anything from the ground.
- Facilities
Museum nearby · information panels · laid-out paths
Frequently asked questions about Roman Fort of Drobeta
- What are the opening hours of Roman Fort of Drobeta?
- Opening hours at Roman Fort of Drobeta: Monday closed, Tuesday–Sunday 09:00 – 17:00. Hours of the museum, which manages the site: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00, last entry 16:30; closed on Mondays. The museum's website gives no separate schedule for the archaeological park, and the România Atractivă page lists 09:00–16:00. Check by phone before you go.
- How long does a visit to Roman Fort of Drobeta take?
- A visit to Roman Fort of Drobeta takes about 45 min (estimate, fort only).
- Can you visit Roman Fort of Drobeta with kids?
- Yes, Roman Fort of Drobeta is suitable for children (open space, no shade).
- Where can I park at Roman Fort of Drobeta?
- There is paid parking at Roman Fort of Drobeta (in the town centre). Public parking on the streets around the museum; parking hours and fees are set by the city hall.
- How do I get to Roman Fort of Drobeta?
- Roman Fort of Drobeta is located at Independenței Street no. 2 (courtyard of the Iron Gates Region Museum), Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Mehedinți County. By car: the fort is in the centre of Drobeta-Turnu Severin, in the museum courtyard on Independenței Street, close to the Danube bank. The town is on the DN6 (E70), about 120 km from Craiova and about 50 km from Orșova. Public transport: Drobeta-Turnu Severin has a CFR railway station; from there you can reach the centre by city transport or taxi.
- When is the best time to visit Roman Fort of Drobeta?
- The best season for Roman Fort of Drobeta: April – October (open-air site).
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