ROL Cruise recommends…
A location rife with flora and fauna
Due to its location, the Iron Gates National Park that divides the boundaries of Serbia and Romania is known for flora and fauna and an abundance of wildlife. Explore the lands on either side of the gorge as well as the depths of the waters that lie beneath the towering rock formations. Filled with sturgeon and other larger species, wildlife is abundant in this area.
A river location full of history
Originally consisting of four gorges protruding the wide river, the term ‘Iron Gate’ was first spoken back in 1853. Some travellers consider the Iron Gates to be the whole 83 mile stretch of river, while others define it as the section that lies around the four gorges. A cruise down to the Iron Gates will uncover some hidden gems, including the Roman memorial plaque commemorating the completion of the road located on the Serbian side of the divide.
A city submerged
The building of the dams in 1964 saw the flooding of an islet called Ada Kaleh, a former exclave for the Turkish. A mosque, alleys and a smugglers port were all home on the island that only spanned 0.5km in diameter. Used as a military base in the 1800s, unfortunately, cruisers passing through the gates today will only see fragments of the dramatic history the island has left behind.
The tallest rock relief in Europe
Nestled among the thick vegetation is the largest rock sculpture in Europe; a 55-metre tall effigy of the ancient Dacian king, Decebalus. The impressive sculpture was revealed in 2004 and took ten years to complete. The nod to the area’s history can be seen on the rocky outcrop on the river Danube, at the Iron Gates.
