Silistra

Silistra is a city straddling the southern bank of the Danube River in northeastern Bulgaria, where modern and older buildings sit side by side. The settlement stretches along the riverbank on flat land and is shaped by a river port that handles grain shipments and connections to the railway network linking major cities.

Romans established a military camp called Durostorum around 29 AD at this location, which grew into an important regional center and garrison town. Later, medieval fortifications were built here, showing how the strategic position on the river mattered for defense and control across different periods.

The city carries visible traces of its Roman and medieval past in buildings and archaeological remains scattered throughout its neighborhoods. Walking through the streets, you notice how these different historical layers shape the local character and draw attention to the place's role as a longtime regional hub.

The city sits right on the border between Bulgaria and Romania, so expect border procedures if crossing at this point or nearby. The best time to visit is late spring through early autumn, when weather is pleasant and walking along the riverside paths is comfortable and safe.

Local craftspeople have long made boards from river rushes harvested along the Danube, a traditional skill passed down through families in the region. This riverside material becomes everything from simple panels to components for furniture and packaging, keeping an old trade alive alongside newer industries.