Severin Medieval Fortress
About Severin Medieval Fortress
Severin Fortress appeared in the 13th century, when the Kingdom of Hungary organised the defence of the Iron Gates and set up the Banate of Severin in 1230. Around 1247 the Knights Hospitaller were brought here. The place was contested for a long time: in the 14th century it passed back and forth between the Hungarian crown and the voivodes of Wallachia, and from 1386 it was held by Mircea the Elder. In 1448 John Hunyadi was appointed ban of Severin.
In 1524 the Ottomans took and destroyed the fortress, and its stones were reused in the fortifications on the southern bank of the Danube. Only one tower was left standing, which locals called "Sever's Tower". The walls were consolidated, studied by archaeologists and put on show in an EU-funded project that also restored the buildings nearby.
What you can see
What remains today are ruins: two enclosures, inner and outer, surrounded by a deep moat, with consolidated walls and the traces of the square towers that flanked the courtyard. The tallest remnant is the wall of the north-east tower, several storeys high. You can also make out the gate in the south-east corner and the foundation of a chapel, with graves around it. The fortress stands in a park close to the Danube, and its courtyard hosts shows and concerts.
Good to know
The fortress is a ruin, not a building with museum rooms: it is visited outdoors, along paths, with no dedicated exhibition. Every year, at the end of summer, it hosts the Severin Fortress Medieval Festival, with medieval camps, armoured combat, archery and fire shows: the 9th edition took place on 22–24 August 2025 and the 10th on 4–6 September 2026.
Information verified on 13 October 2026.
- The wall of the north-east tower, the only tower left standing after the destruction of 1524.
- The deep moat around the two enclosures, visible from the paths.
- The foundation of the chapel in the centre of the fortress, surrounded by graves.
- The Severin Fortress Medieval Festival, with armoured combat and fire shows, at the end of summer.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the fortress is in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, in the park near the port, on Strada Portului, close to the Danube. 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 the station you can reach the port area by city transport or by taxi.
- Where to park
Park on the streets around the port and the park, under the regime set by the town hall; on festival days the spaces fill up quickly.
- Fees & discounts
The sources do not agree: a hotel page from January 2026 gives 20 lei for adults, 15 lei for pensioners and 10 lei for pupils and students, România Atractivă gives 10 lei for adults, and other pages say entry is free. The official site publishes no prices. Confirm by phone.
- Rules
The fortress is visited along the paths, without climbing on the walls or stepping into the fenced-off areas. Photography is allowed, and on festival days the organisers' access rules may apply.
- Facilities
Laid-out paths · performance space in the courtyard · audio guide and stories on the manager's website · the Water Castle nearby
Frequently asked questions about Severin Medieval Fortress
- What are the opening hours of Severin Medieval Fortress?
- Opening hours at Severin Medieval Fortress: daily 09:00 – 19:00. Hours from the website of the "Teodor Costescu" Palace of Culture, which manages the fortress: daily, 09:00–19:00. Other pages give 09:00–21:00 or Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00–17:00, and the official site carries no recent date, so check by phone before you go.
- How long does a visit to Severin Medieval Fortress take?
- A visit to Severin Medieval Fortress takes about 45 min (estimate, outdoors).
- Can you visit Severin Medieval Fortress with kids?
- Yes, Severin Medieval Fortress is suitable for children (deep moat, walls).
- Where can I park at Severin Medieval Fortress?
- There is paid parking at Severin Medieval Fortress (around the port and the park). Park on the streets around the port and the park, under the regime set by the town hall; on festival days the spaces fill up quickly.
- How do I get to Severin Medieval Fortress?
- Severin Medieval Fortress is located at Strada Portului no. 5, in the park by the Danube, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Mehedinți County. By car: the fortress is in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, in the park near the port, on Strada Portului, close to the Danube. 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 the station you can reach the port area by city transport or by taxi.
- When is the best time to visit Severin Medieval Fortress?
- The best season for Severin Medieval Fortress: April – October (open-air ruin).
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