DECEBALUS - the Eastern European Mount Rushmore!
Let me give you a clue!
This huge statue embedded in the natural rock is located in Romania. To be more precise, it's close to Orsova, in the Mraconia Bay, on the Lower Danube, right between the towns Eselnita and Dubova.
The statue of the Dacian King Decebalus is the Eastern European version of Mount Rushmore, if you want to put it that way.
It can be seen both from the road and the river. If I am not mistaken, this is the largest stone sculpture in Europe and it took close to ten years to complete it (1994 to 2004). It was literally dynamited out of the rock overlooking the river Danube at the Iron Gates.
How big it is?
It's huge! It has 42.9 m in height and 31.6 m width (131 ft high by 103 ft width). I was blown away by the sheer size of it.
As magnificent as it looks, this structure was not finished. The initial plan was to finalize it and also have another one on the Serbian shore, one of Traianus, the roman emperor that had defeated Decebalus.
To be honest it exceeded my expectations in size and skills. I have been meaning to see this from many years ago, but somehow I always postponed this trip.
A bit of history
Our boat guide was a valuable source of information and history of this place. He mentioned that King Decebalus fought against the Roman Empire who threatened his Dacian kingdom. He lost the battle and his kingdom was taken over by the Emperor Trajan. That explains the origins of Romanians, placing them as direct descendants of the Roman Empire. Did you know that Romanian is a language that derived from Latin?
Decebalus Rex -Dragan fecit
Iosif Dragan, a Romanian bilionnaire commissioned Mario Galeotti, an Italian sculptor for this massive head carved into the mountain. The work was accompanied by the inscription: Decebalus Rex - Dragan Fecit (King Decebalus - made by Dragan), a reminder of the businessman's extravaganza. The artist died before completing the work.
Spectacular views
The cost of a boat ride is around 25-30 RON, which is close to $10 USD. If you are not interested in taking the ride, then you can take some amazing shots from the bridge located just in front of the statue.
Decebalus' head does offer an interesting spectacle as you pass through the Iron Gates gorge, having on one side the southern Carpathian mountains and the NW foothills of the Balkan mountains on the other. The views are gorgeous!
I do recommend taking a cruise through the Iron Gates as it is an unique experience. You could also enjoy visiting the Great Gorges, Small Gorges and Veterani cave.
Tabula Traiana
On the Serbian shore of the Danube, you can see the 2000 years old inscription on the rock: Tabula Traiana, a symbol of the Roman Empire's final attack against Decebalus' kingdom.
Here's a close up of the inscription:
I hope this post made you think of Romania as your next possible destination!
Here are other travel related posts:
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DOLPHINARIUM 2, CONSTANTA, ROMANIA
DOLPHINARIUM 1, CONSTANTA, ROMANIA
GONDOLA RIDE IN MAMAIA RESORT, ROMANIA
BEACH DAY IN CONSTANTA, ROMANIA
BUBBLES - INDOOR PLAYGROUND IN CONSTANTA, ROMANIA
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BAHIA DE PAQUERA, NICOYA GULF, COSTA RICA
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CHASED BY TORNADOS IN MINNESOTA
MINNEHAHA FALLS REGIONAL PARK, A GEM IN BETWEEN THE TWIN CITIES
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TEN FACTS OR MORE ABOUT BOQUETE, PANAMA
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TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE A LIVING WHILE TRAVELLING THE WORLD
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CARIBBEAN PARADISE: BOCAS DEL TORO
BOQUETE’S FLOWERS AND COFFEE FESTIVAL, PANAMA
VISIT TO SAINT-JOSEPH’S ORATORY IN MONTREAL, CANADA
Unless stated otherwise, all photos used in this posts are taken and owned by myself. If you wish to use any of my images, please contact me!
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Wow!! How I would love to see this with my own eyes!! Absolutely stunning!! This is a gorgeous place you've shared @lymepoet... I hope to one day visit!
I am sure you will enjoy visiting it @monchhichi23!
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Gignaric aculpture and that too in a cool wild location..amazing history keeps us so many interesting stuff 👍
It was great learning a bit about the history of this place! As for the statue itself, it's breathtaking, even unfinished!
Well captured, interms of words and picture.
Thanks for stopping by!
Really looks kinda funny, I had no idea this even existed. Looks really nice though, certainly worth a visit if you're in the area.
It is worth travelling all the way to Orsova to see this gigantic statue!
WOW @lymepoet I am going to have to go hang out with you. You see all the great stuff. Good for you !!!!
Then you'd be thrilled to learn that next year you'll go South America! ;0)
I am packing my bag so I will be ready. yea buddy !!!!
what an interesting area and that Statue is huge
It's a beautiful area and the statue is one of the highlights!
Wow! I have never been to Romania but it is now on my to do list! I love the statue, I am not a huge fan of boats and boat trips, but it would be wort it to see this! Thank you for your post!
Wow! I am so happy to see that you are thinking of actually visiting this country. It's a great place and it does not get the exposure it needs.