Giurgiu Fortress
About Giurgiu Fortress
West of Șoseaua Portului, on the left bank of the Sfântul Gheorghe branch, stand the ruins of Giurgiu Fortress. The stronghold originally occupied an island, and the surrounding water formed part of its defences. Embankment works changed the landscape, so you can now reach the ruins overland from the town.
The fortress was built in several stages, beginning in the 14th century. Mircea the Elder incorporated it into the defences of Wallachia's Danube frontier. Over the following centuries it repeatedly changed hands between the Ottomans and the rulers of Wallachia, undergoing repairs and extensions. After the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829 it lost its military role.
What you can see
Low walls and taller fragments of stonework reveal the outline of the fortress. In places you can distinguish the outer blocks and the rubble core of the walls. Paths around the ruins and panels showing reconstructions help explain the stages of its development. Landscaping and access improvements were completed in 2024, and an open-air amphitheatre stands beside the site.
- The thick stone walls of the fortress on the former island.
- Sections of masonry showing the outer blocks and rubble core.
- Panels with reconstructions of the fortress in different periods.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from central Bucharest, take the DN5 towards Giurgiu, then follow signs for the port and Șoseaua Portului. The journey is about 66 km and takes around an hour and a quarter, depending on traffic.
Public transport: coaches and minibuses run between Bucharest and Giurgiu. Check the arrival stop and timetable with the operator before you leave. From Giurgiu railway station, the fortress is about 1.6 km away, around 20 minutes on foot.
- Rules
Keep to the visitor paths and avoid climbing on the walls. Supervise children near the ruins and changes in ground level.
- Facilities
Footpaths · information panels with reconstructions of the fortress
Frequently asked questions about Giurgiu Fortress
How long does a visit to Giurgiu Fortress take?
A visit to Giurgiu Fortress takes about 30 min (ruins and information panels).
Can you visit Giurgiu Fortress with kids?
Yes, Giurgiu Fortress is suitable for children (ruins and uneven ground).
How do I get to Giurgiu Fortress?
Giurgiu Fortress is located at West of Șoseaua Portului, beside the Sfântul Gheorghe branch, Giurgiu, Giurgiu County. More under “Getting there”
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