New Orsova

Andrei Telteu
Jun 4, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Mar 25

Today, we are still in Orsova, but this time we will explore a bit of the recent history of the area.

Just over 40 years ago, 3 km north of the heart of the old city, New Orsova began to take shape, and centuries of history would be submerged under the waters of the Danube, due to the construction of the "Iron Gates I" Hydropower Plant.

The city's northern edge became its southern boundary, and the settlement's appearance changed dramatically, now taking the form of a horseshoe that embraces the waters of the newly formed Cerna Bay. Not only would the city’s shape differ, but also its architecture. Buildings that once reflected the Austro-Hungarian influence were replaced by those typical of the communist era, with socialist realist elements.

Yet, the overall image of the city, with its winding streets lined with houses rising up the hill, alongside blocks arranged in a semicircle guarding the Danube, surrounded by the lush green hills, gives the impression of being in one of the most stunning art galleries.

New Orsova has immense tourist potential, both due to the city's attractions like the Saint Ana Monastery, the Catholic Church, and the "Iron Gates" Regional Museum, as well as the Danube Gorge area, making it the perfect starting point to explore its most spectacular offerings.

And since we’ve arrived in New Orsova, we’ll take a little longer to explore each attraction the city has to offer in the upcoming posts.