Decebal Statue
- Andrei Telteu
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
The Decebal statue stands 55 meters tall and 25 meters wide, making it the largest rock sculpture in Europe.
The sculpture is located near the city of Orsova, in the cataract area of the Small Cauldrons (Mraconia Gulf), on the left bank of the Danube. The idea of constructing this statue belonged to the Romanian businessman Iosif Constantin Drăgan, and it took 10 years (1994-2004) for the 12 sculptor-mountaineers to complete it.
The execution of this project was carried out under the direction of the Romanian sculptor Florin Cotarcea, despite the dangers posed by height, heat, and venomous vipers.
The pontoon at Mraconia Gulf, where the largest rock sculpture in Europe is located, can only be reached by boat.
Over a ton of dynamite was used to shape the rock.
Work on the project began in the summer of 1994 with the clearing of trees that covered the rock. Then, massive rocks that posed a threat to the workers were removed.
No heavy machinery could be used, so all tools had to be transported by boat and carried in 40-50 kg sacks on the workers' backs.
Communication with the pontoon was maintained through two radio stations.
From the base of the rock to the scaffolding, the sculptor-mountaineers had to climb for half an hour.
Work took place each year from March to October.
The tools used by the sculptor-mountaineers were traditional: pneumatic hammers, chisels, and sledgehammers.
During the summer, the rock would become scorching hot under the sun, making working conditions almost unbearable.
Due to vibrations and the crumbling of the rock, Decebal’s nose (which was seven meters tall) developed cracks and was at risk of detaching and falling.
For safety reasons, that massive stone block was abandoned, and a large portion of Decebal’s nose was dynamited.
The king’s nose was then reshaped and reinforced with iron and cement.
The Decebal statue was completed in 2004.
Below Decebal’s head, there is a Latin inscription carved into the rock: "DECEBAL REX - DRAGAN FECIT" ("King Decebal - made by Drăgan").
The largest rock relief sculpture in Europe! Admire the Decebal statue from a Danube cruise and discover its story.
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