Link copied! How many of you have not heard of the Roman Bridge at Drobeta, built over the Danube, according to the plans of the famous architect Apollodorus of Damascus? Learn that this grand construction of antiquity was erected between 103-105 AD by order of Emperor Trajan.
Around the impressive bridge, the Roman castrum, the amphitheater and the Roman baths were developed, the remains of which can be seen today in the Drobeta Archaeological Park.
The Drobeta castrum was built in the period between the two Dacian wars (103-105 AD), with the role of protecting a vital strategic area for the Roman Empire. The fortification has a rectangular plan and dimensions of 123×137.50 m, being oriented north-south.
An exception to the rules of Roman military architecture is the fact that the porta praetoria is found on the south side, towards the Danube, a possible explanation probably related to the mission of the garrison here - that of defending the bridge. Another curiosity is the perfect symmetry, the western half of the castrum being practically a mirror copy of the eastern half.
The Roman castrum at Drobeta was pointed out by Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli as early as 1689. The first research was undertaken by Cezar Bolliac, then by the French archaeologist G. Boissière, who specified the three main phases of the fort: Trajanic, Constantinian and Romano-Byzantine.
Architectural features
In the central area of the castrum was the headquarters building (principia). Its inner courtyard was completely paved, being bordered laterally by two porticoes. The entrance to the basilica was made through three openings with arches, which rested on four column bases. At the northern end of the edifice was the sacred room, where the banners and the sacred images of the emperor and the ruling family were kept.
Weapon rooms, food stores, offices, officers' and soldiers' quarters, as well as other edifices were also identified inside the fortification.
The exit to Trajan's bridge and the military port was protected by two parallel walls, located on the west and east sides.
Brief historical foray
The most significant restoration of the Drobeta castrum takes place at the beginning of the 4th century and corresponds to the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great (306-337 AD) or his successors.
The soldiers' barracks are arranged in the shape of a cross. The complex of pavilions included 84 rooms, located along the roads that intersected in the middle of the fortification.
The inner towers are replaced by the outer, fan-type towers (circle sector). On one side and on the other of the southern gate, two outer towers were built, the northern half of which was rectangular, and the southern half semicircular.
Priceless treasures
The presence of the ruins of Trajan's Bridge gives the site of Drobeta a world-wide uniqueness. It was one of the largest bridges built in antiquity, with a total length of 1,134.9 m, a height of 18.6 m and leg dimensions of 33x19 m.
The Roman amphitheater at Drobeta is the fourth construction of this kind discovered so far in the territory of the former Roman province, along with those at Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, Micia and Porolissum.
The Drobeta archaeological complex also includes the Roman baths, which in terms of size and complexity are the second largest in Dacia, after those at Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa.
3D Animation
Virtual tour
Drobeta Castrum
Strada Independenței, Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania
Facilities
Payment methods
Card, Cash
Tourist guide
Romanian, English
Contact
Status
Visitable
Landmark access
Bicycle, Walking, By car
Access facilities for disabled people
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Parking
In proximity
Sanitary group in the location or proximity
Yes
Access and entry
Access is ticket-based
Tickets
Adult: 8 lei | Copil, elev, student: 2 lei | Pensionar: 4 lei (reducere de 50%) | Acces gratuit pentru preșcolari (până la 7 ani) și persoanele cu handicap.
The custodians reserve the right to modify the visiting conditions of the attractions.
Schedule
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
09:00-16:00
Wednesday
09:00-16:00
Thursday
09:00-16:00
Friday
09:00-16:00
Saturday
09:00-16:00
Sunday
09:00-16:00
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