Tricule Fortress
About Tricule Fortress
Tricule Fortress stands on the Romanian bank of the Danube, downstream from Svinița, beside the DN57. The fortification consisted of three stone towers with rectangular plans, arranged at the corners of a triangle pointing towards the river. Two still rise above the water close to the bank.
The towers date from the 13th–14th centuries. Archaeological investigations identified earlier occupation beneath the fortification, including remains from the Roman period. The creation of the Iron Gates I reservoir raised the water level and flooded the site. The third tower had already partly collapsed after river ice damaged it in 1924.
What you can see
From the bank you can make out the outlines of the two towers, their battlements and the surviving arrow slits. A collapsed side of one tower reveals its interior. The Danube and the slopes on the Serbian bank form the backdrop to the ruins.
Good to know
The water level affects how much of the tower bases is visible. The ground between the road and the ruins includes private property, and getting close to the walls depends on conditions along the bank.
- The two stone towers rising from the Danube.
- The battlements and arrow slits surviving at the top.
- The interior visible through the collapsed side of one tower.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Orșova, follow the DN57 towards Moldova Nouă. The fortress is about 44 km away, roughly an hour's drive. The towers can be seen from the road before you reach Svinița.
- Rules
View the ruins from a safe place on the bank and keep your distance from the deteriorating masonry. Respect private property boundaries. Stop your car only where signs and the available space allow.
Frequently asked questions about Tricule Fortress
How long does a visit to Tricule Fortress take?
A visit to Tricule Fortress takes about 20 min (view from the bank).
Can you visit Tricule Fortress with kids?
No, Tricule Fortress is not recommended for visits with children (steep bank, ruins in water).
How do I get to Tricule Fortress?
Tricule Fortress is located at Beside the DN57, on the Danube bank, Svinița, Mehedinți County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Tricule Fortress?
The best season for Tricule Fortress: April – October (daylight and dry weather).
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