Turnu Severin is one of the oldest Europe’s towns, being a former Roman settlement called Severinus. The years 101-102 and 105-106 brought Turnu Severin in the history’s spotlights, when the Roman Legions crossed the Danube and settled down on the territory where nowadays the town of Turnu Severin lies. Situated at the crossroads of the Europe’s powers, the town suffered under many foreign occupations, being administrated both by Turks and by Austrians.

After it has been entirely destroyed, Turnu Severin was reconstructed in 1833 and renamed as “The New Town of Severin”. Due to its position, Turnu Severin (The  Severin’sTower) is called the Gate between the Central Europe and the Orient.

We drive from the harbor towards the Archaeological Museum” the Iron Gate, where we will get acquainted with the Romania’s history, from the early beginning till the end of WWII. Here we visit also the Ethnographical part of the museum and the Aquarium.   Next to the building we can see also the ruins of the bridge, constructed on behalf of Emperor Traian by the architect Apolodor of Damascus between 103 and 105 AD. The bridge was the biggest accomplishment of that time, because for its construction were used only wood and stone and it measured approx. 1400m in length, 14m in width, and 19m in height. 
Driving through the old town, passing by the only remaining tower of the old medieval fortress, towards the Iron Gates we can admire the magnificent landscapes of the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, viaducts and gorges.

On the Danube’s shore, right next to the hydroelectric station of the Iron Gates we stop at a local restaurant to taste four of the best wines of the Banat region. Afterwards we drive back to the ship.

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