MONTS MĂCIN

Located to the west of Tulcea, these are the oldest mountains in Romania, and even among the oldest in Europe, dating back several hundred million years. Their altitude does not exceed 500 m. Their arid climate and highly specific soil composition make them Europe's last refuge for steppe flora and fauna. They are home to exceptional biodiversity. The Măcin Mountains also offer superb landscapes, dotted with curious rock formations such as those around the Pricopan ridge (Culmea Pricopanului). A number of short and medium-distance hikes are possible. You can also go cycling or horse-riding. The localities around the Măcin mountains are also rich in historical heritage. Last but not least, the region is famous for its vineyards, which stretch along the foothills.

Măcin mountains. You can stop here to admire the old mosque and the ruins of the wall surrounding the ancient Roman city of Arrubium.

Turcoaia. In this village south of Măcin, you'll see the ruins of the Troesmis fortress. Dating from the ^3rd century BC.

Isaccea. Named Noviodunum by the Romans, this pleasant little town on the Danube played an important strategic and commercial role in the region at the time. Remains of its former grandeur are still visible. Not far away, in the village of Tichilești, is Europe's last leprosarium.

Niculițel. In this wine-growing village, you can visit the ruins of an early Christian basilica. The church and crypt were founded by Emperor Valens in the year 370. Discovered in the 1970s, the basilica has been partially rebuilt. Four martyrs' skeletons lie in a collective coffin on the upper level of the crypt.

Cocoș Monastery. The "Rooster" monastery was erected in 1835 in an oriental Turkish style. It houses a museum of medieval and modern art featuring a collection of old books, icons and documents relating to the Ottoman period. The path leading to the museum crosses hills planted with vines.

Celic-Dere Monastery. South of Telița, this monastery today run by nuns was founded between 1841 and 1844 by Romanian and Russian monks. It owes its name to its proximity to a stream, the Celik Dere (Turkish for "stream of steel").

Dinogetia fortress. First mentioned by Ptolemy, this was originally a Dacian site, before the Romans took it over. What remains is the result of numerous destructions and reconstructions over the centuries.