Discover Via Danubiana: Cultural and Historical Landmarks in Giurgiu County

Giurgiu Fortress

Built on the Danube bank in the 14th century by Mircea the Elder, Giurgiu Fortress is an important historical monument at the border between Romania and Bulgaria. Today, only parts of its original walls remain, but the site still stands as a symbol of local resistance, Balkan medieval architecture, and the city’s long history. In recent years, it has been consolidated by the city hall.

The Old Curved Bridge – Bizetz Bridge

This traditional earth-house sits quietly on a small, peaceful street in Giurgiu. It is the last of its kind still standing in the city and represents a typical flatland-style rural home. If you make your way there, you’ll likely be warmly greeted by the owners, who may even invite you to take a closer look and photograph this small piece of local history.

The Old Curved Bridge – Bizetz Bridge

The Bizetz Bridge in Giurgiu is unique in Europe due to its horizontally curved construction—an impressive challenge taken on by architect Anghel Saligny and engineer Ion Ionescu Bizetz. Completed in 1905, it was the first horizontally curved bridge in Europe. It was built over the Saint George Basin to support the urban development of Ramadan Island (Old Beach) and the city’s industrial expansion.

The Friendship Bridge

The Giurgiu–Ruse Bridge, commonly known as the “Friendship Bridge”, connects the neighboring cities of Romania and Bulgaria. Built in 1954, it was one of the most complex engineering projects of its time. Spanning over 2,000 meters in length and 30 meters in width, the bridge features two levels—one for road traffic and the other for trains—and also includes a pedestrian walkway. It remains a vital connection between the two countries, facilitating both trade and tourism.

The Clock Tower

Built in 1866 in a neoclassical style using brick and stone, the Clock Tower stands right in the center of Giurgiu, near the Central Market. The tower is about 30 meters tall, and the clock on its façade once served to tell locals the exact time. Over the years, it has undergone several changes and restorations, remaining a symbol of the city—even though it is no longer functional today.

Youth Educational Center, Găujani

Located in a former boyar’s mansion in the commune of Găujani, just 30 kilometers from Giurgiu, the center houses a small museum of traditional costumes. It also serves as a meeting and activity space for local women. The youth educational center is a vibrant place where children and teens come together for various educational and cultural activities.

World War II Bunkers, Slobozia

The bunkers are reinforced concrete fortifications built to withstand bombings and protect soldiers and military equipment. Although not developed as tourist attractions, these structures may be of interest to history and military architecture enthusiasts. Along Via Danubiana, you can visit one of them in the commune of Slobozia, just 10 minutes by car or 15–20 minutes by bike from Giurgiu.

Teohari Antonescu County Museum

Here you’ll find both local and national artifacts, historical documents, and objects uncovered during archaeological digs in the region—offering insight into the civilizations and historical settlements once present in Giurgiu County. The museum also features exhibitions on local traditions, folk costumes, and handmade crafts, along with a “tree” of ruling princes who passed through the region and a timeline of conflicts with the Ottoman Empire.

St. John Rusu Monastery, Slobozia

The monastery lies at the end of a quiet 1–2 km path bordered by forest. It was founded on the grounds of a former military barracks. If you look closely in the monastery courtyard, you’ll notice that some of the cells are built on small mounds—these were once used as training areas for soldiers. The monastery hosts pilgrims under modest conditions and based on donations, depending on the time of year and availability.