A city with a remarkable history
SILISTRA
All guests of the Oprev Winery can immerse themselves in the ancient history of Silistra and visit nearby historical and natural landmarks.
Silistra (36 km)
The city has a remarkable history, and here you can feel part of it.
Here are some of the places you should not miss.
Historical Museum – Silistra
The Historical Museum in Silistra preserves and presents the history of Silistra and the surrounding area from ancient times to the present day. The museum opened its doors for the first time on January 11, 1899. There are two exhibitions – archaeological and ethnographic. The museum preserves monuments of Roman and medieval Bulgarian culture that are of national and global significance. The museum exhibition also includes several sites near Silistra, such as the Durostorum-Drustar-Silistra Archaeological Reserve, the Turkish fort of Abdul Medjid, the Thracian rock complex, and others.
NAAR "Durostorum-Drustar-Silistra"
Durostorum translates as ‘"strong fortress’" and dates back to the 4th century BC as a settlement. The National Architectural and Archaeological Reserve "Durostorum-Drustar-Silistra" is an ancient settlement of strategic importance during the 1st century. It is believed that the settlement flourished during this period. During the reign of Omurtag, the Danube residence of the Bulgarian khans was built here. The city fell under Ottoman rule in 1388.
The Drustar Fortress is one of the oldest fortresses located on the territory of Bulgaria. The remains of its former grandeur can be seen in the vicinity of the town of Silistra. Its probable purpose was as a Thracian fortification.
According to historical records, the city and the fortress were at their peak in the first 2-3 centuries of the new era, when they were called Durostorum, and in 238 the fortress was destroyed by the invading Carpi. Before the 6th century, the city was revived with new strength after the settlement of the Slavs, who gave it the name Drustar.
Silistra Tomb
The Silistra Tomb is one of the most famous creations of ancient civilization. It is considered one of the most beautiful and valuable artistic and architectural monuments of the late antique era in Bulgaria. The tomb consists of a rectangular chamber with geometric figures, images of people and animals, a married couple and their servants depicted inside. The murals are very well preserved – almost intact. According to historians and archaeologists, this was the tomb of a prominent Roman pagan, whose position in society is show both by the rich decoration and by the letter found, presented to him by the emperor.
The Medzhidi Tabiya Fortress
Medzhidi Tabiya is a fortress located south of Silistra, part of the Ottoman fortification system used during the Crimean and Russo-Turkish wars. The fortress was built between 1841 and 1853. In 1847, it was visited by Sultan Abdul Mejid, after whom it was named—Mejidi Tabiya. It has a hexagonal shape and reaches a height of 8 meters. The moat located immediately next to it served as an obstacle and camouflage.
Aydemirski Monastery ‘"Pokrov Bogorodichen’"
The Aydemirski Monastery ‘"Pokrov Bogorodichen’" is a convent located near the village of Aydemir, about 7 km from Silistra. It can be reached by turning left off the main road between Silistra and Ruse. In the church, you can see portraits of 12 saints, the relics of St. Theseus, as well as a collection of glass bottles from various parts of the world. Today, the monastery is inhabited by Abbess Joanna and one of her assistants.
Cathedral Church of Sts. Peter and Paul
The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Silistra was built after the Crimean War by masters from the leading Dryanovo architectural school of that period. The murals are the work of the famous Bulgarian artist Prof. Kozhuharov.
In 2001, during his visit to Bulgaria, Pope John Paul II donated part of the sacred relics of St. Dasius to the Christian community in Silistra. The relics (bones from the right shoulder) are placed in a marble sarcophagus, which is kept in the church. These are the only authentic relics of a martyr saint from early Christian times whose name is known. These are the only authentic relics of a martyr saint from early Christian times whose name is known.
The Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Silistra has been declared a cultural monument.
Danube Park ‘"Silistra’"
The Danube Park in the town of Silistra is located on the banks of the Danube River. The park is one of the beautiful landmarks in the town and one of the favorite places of the locals. It is mainly intended for recreation and walks along the riverbank. The park has benches, gazebos, playgrounds, fountains, and ruins of Roman fortresses.
Srebarna Nature Reserve (18 km)
Srebarna Nature Reserve is located near the village of Srebarna, 16 km west of Silistra and 2 km south of the Danube River. The natural history museum has an exhibition of stuffed animals, and a camera installed in the marsh itself allows pelicans to be observed closely from the museum. The flora and fauna of the reserve are extremely diverse. All activities are prohibited, and people are only allowed to walk on the marked paths. In the eyes of Austrian traveler Felix Kanitz, Lake Srebarna was an ‘"Eldorado for marsh birds’" more than a century ago. The reserve received its greatest recognition in 1983, when it was proposed for inclusion in the World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.
