Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși
Galați, Galați County · Moldavia
About Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși
At a glance: Monuments and historic sites in Galați, Galați County. The visit takes 45 min. Information verified on 10 October 2026.
On the Tirighina height in the Barboși district, where the Siret flows into the Danube, the Romans built a fort in the 2nd century to serve as a bridgehead on the left bank of the river, probably over an older Dacian stronghold reinforced with an earth rampart. An inscription on a marble slab, copied by Dimitrie Cantemir, links its construction to the reign of Emperor Trajan. Coins found here date from the time of Trajan, Antoninus Pius and Philip the Arab. The sources disagree about the end: some speak of the fort being abandoned at the end of the 3rd century, others of occupation lasting into the 4th.
The archaeological complex covers about 10 hectares and includes the fort, an earthen castellum, two Roman cemeteries (one of them a tumulus), amphora stores and the civil settlement on the Siret plain. Excavations in 1959–1962 brought the structure of the fort to light. One of the graves held a gold fibula inscribed INNOCENS, and a gold ring with a gem showing Mercury turned up later. After the fort was abandoned its stone was reused in Galați: it went into the Precista church in the 17th century.
What you can see
On the promontory you can still see at ground level the south-eastern corner of the fort and traces of the foundations along the north and west sides: low walls of stone and brick rising out of the grass, with a view of the railway, the Siret and the Danube floodplain. A site museum has been built in the grounds, and the site was redeveloped with European funds, with access paths, trails along the sides of the fortification, green space and architectural lighting, plus an amphitheatre for open-air events. Among the remains being showcased is an octagonal observation tower, which archaeologists regard as unique among known Roman towers.
Good to know
Until 2025 the site stood for years unfenced and neglected, and the photos here were taken before the redevelopment. The latest news we found, from March 2025, says work on the museum building was finished and that fitting out the rooms was next; we found no opening date, schedule or ticket price. Before you go, check with the Galați History Museum "Paul Păltănea" or Galați City Hall whether the museum and the trails are open.
- The south-eastern corner of the fort and the traces of foundations along the north and west sides.
- The octagonal observation tower, regarded by archaeologists as unique among known Roman towers.
- The view from the promontory over the Siret's confluence with the Danube.
- The site museum in the grounds, made for the finds from the excavations begun in 1919.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the fort is in the Barboși district, on the south-western edge of Galați, about 300 m north of Barboși station, on Castrul Roman Street. From the city centre it is some 6–7 km, along the road towards Brăila.
Public transport: we found no confirmed route to the site; Barboși station is about 300 m from the site.
- Fees & discounts
We found no published entry fee. Check with the museum before you go.
- 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
Site museum · access paths · open-air amphitheatre
Frequently asked questions about Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși
- How long does a visit to Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși take?
- A visit to Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși takes about 45 min (estimate; ruins and view).
- How do I get to Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși?
- Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși is located at Castrul Roman Street, Barboși district, Galați, Galați County. By car: the fort is in the Barboși district, on the south-western edge of Galați, about 300 m north of Barboși station, on Castrul Roman Street. From the city centre it is some 6–7 km, along the road towards Brăila. Public transport: we found no confirmed route to the site; Barboși station is about 300 m from the site.
- When is the best time to visit Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși?
- The best season for Roman Fort of Tirighina-Barboși: April – October (open-air site).
Reviews
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