Facts about Dobrogea (Dobrudja)
About the name: Land of Dobrotici, after prince Dobrotitsa/ Dobrotici,
who in 1325 ruled the region.
Location: southeastern Romania, between the Danube River and the Black Sea
Area: 9,631 sq miles
Population: Approximately 950,000
Main cities: Constanta,
Medgidia, Mangalia, Tulcea
Climate: torrid summers, relatively mildy winters, and little precipitation
Dobrogea Region Highlights
Dobrogea region is home to the Danube Delta, a 2,200-square-mile wildlife reserve designated by UNESCO as a "Reservation of the Biosphere;" the ancient port city of Constanta, and the seaside resorts stretching along Romania's 152-mile Black Sea coast. From the port city of Tulcea, day cruises through the Delta's waterways give travelers a glimpse of the abundant wildlife and the traditional fishing villages. Floating reed islands, sand dunes and waterways offer shelter to over 300 species of birds, countless fish and 1,150 species of plants.
South of the Delta, the historical city of Constanta serves as a major port on the Black Sea. Featuring several museums, historical monuments, fine mansions and a grand casino, the city is the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism. A strip of fine-sand beaches dotted with seaside resorts named after women and mythological gods, such as Eforie, Jupiter, Neptun, Olimp, Saturn, Venus and Mangalia, stretches from Constanta to the Bulgarian border.
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10 Places to explore in Dobrogea (SE Romania)
1. The Danube Delta - world's third most biodiverse ecosystem,
A realm for over 300 bird species, including the largest Dalmation pelican colonies in Europe.
2. Ruins of the ancient town of Tomis (now Constanta),
the precinct walls, aqueduct, underground galleries, basilica, painted crypt and the Roman amphitheatre can be visited.
3. Histria first urban settlement founded by Milesian settlers (7th century B.C.), on the western shore of the Black Sea.
4. The ruins of the ancient Greek town of Callatis.
5. Basarabi (Murfatlar), complex of caves chapels and tombs dug into Basarabi chalky limestone hill (9th century).
6. Gura Portitei and Vadu wild beaches
7. Traditional fishing villages, in the Danube Delta, - Caraorman, Jurilovca, Letea, Mila 23 and Sfantu Gheorghe.
8. Dobrogea best wineries including Alira, Crama Rasova, La Sapata, Murfatlar and Clos des Colombes.
9. Lake Techirghiol / Eforie Nord medical spas that use curative mud to alleviate artritis and rheumatism symptoms.
10. The Black Sea beach resorts in Mamaia, Eforie Nord and Mangalia
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Major Museums in Dobrogea region
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Dobrogea Region Performing Arts
| Town/ City | Performing Arts Institution |
|---|---|
| Constanta |
Drama Theatre „Ovidius” Classical Ballet Theatre „Oleg Danovski” Constanta Puppet Theatre Marea Neagra Philharmonic |
| Tulcea | Drama Theatre „Jean Bart” |
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Dobrogea National Parks and protected areas
The Region of Dobrogea is home to 82 national parks and protected areas, the largest and best known are:
The Danube Delta - third largest biodiversity in the world,
Macin Mountains National Park
Cheile Dobrogei (Dobrogea Gorges).
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Activities
Dobrogea offers excellent conditions for outdoor activities: Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Nature walks, Wildlife / Bird Watching.
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Cuisine & Wines of Dobrogea region
Dobrogea Region Traditional Food
The cuisine of Dobrogea is mainly based on fish and mutton.
Fresh fish abounds in Dobrogea due to proximity of its towns and villages to the Black Sea and the Danube River.
Local dishes feature Greek, Turkish, Tartar flavors and receipies.
A typical, traditional meal, in Dobrogea include:
~ Salata Dobrogeana, an appetizer/ salad made from fresh red and green peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and onion.
Vegetable oil, boiled eggs, grated cheese, minced dill or parsley are also added.
~ Fisherman's Soup (Ciorba de Peste), arguable the most sought of dish in the Danube Delta.
In a big cast-iron pot, water is brought to a boil with vegetables and over 10 species of small fish.
The broth obtained is then strained and the small fish discarded.
Big chunks of sturgeon, carp or pike are then boiled in the broth.
The fish soup makes two dishes: the broth, served first, and then the big chunks of fish, sprinkled with chili pepper or garlic sauce.
~ Saramura, (grilled carp served in garlicky brine)
~ Sarailie , a pastry filled with with walnuts and almonds or cheese and walnuts, is served as dessert.
Other Dobrogea culinary specialties include:
Zacuscă de Pește [(stewed) fish and vegetables spread],
Storceac (sturgeon soup, specific to village of Sfantu Gheorghe that combines local sturgeon fish and vegetables,
finished with whey from yogurt or cheese).
Musaca Dobrogeana (typical Dobrogea Moussaka),
Stiuca Umpluta (stuffed pike perch),
Plachie de Peste (carp baked with tomatoes, red peppers and onion).
Picancă de știucă (Northern pike, fried then baked in the oven with tomatoes and hot pepper).
Spadlivka - Tocană Lipovenească de Pește(traditional - Lipovan minority - fish stew_
Plăcintă de Pește (fish pie)
Lacherda de Scrumbie (marinated Danube River Mackerel, a wild fish that migrates from the Black Sea to the Danube).
Scordalea (a popular dish obtained from deboned and boiled salted fish, mashed potatoes, vegetable oil and garlic).
Protap de Crap (wild carp baked in the oven; fried potatoes, garlic and tomato sauce are added and simmered with the fish.)
Nalangâte Dobrogene (yogourt and cheese donuts).
Dobrogea region Small Family-Owned Restaurants serving local cuisine
Punct Gastronomic Local (Local Gastronomic Point) is the name used for small restaurants
offering dishes prepared using local ingredients and traditional recipes or locally reinterpreted international dishes.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| La Grisha | Str. Primaverii 2, village Ghindaresti - Constanta county |
| Casa Filip | Nr. 734, village Sarichioi - Tulcea county |
| Casa Ilinca | Str. Pacii 33, village Jurilovca - Tulcea county |
| La Polovnik | Str. Izlazului 349 A, village 2 Mai - Constanta county |
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Dobrogea region Artisanal Foods and Local Flavors
| Name/ Manufacturer | Type | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
|
Cheese | ||
| Amilact | Pressed, aged 3 months local name: Branza maturata 90 de zile |
pasteurized goat milk, salt, rennet Provenance: village Făgăraşu Nou |
| Elda | (brined) white, pressed local name: Telemea maturată de capră |
pasteurized goat milk, salt, rennet Provenance: village Topraisar |
|
Smoked and Marinated Fish | ||
| La Grisa | Fish & vegetables spread local name: Zacuscă de peste |
Fish, carrot, red pepper, tomato, onion, sun flower oil. salt Provenance: village Ghindaresti |
| Deltaica | Smoked Danube mackerel local name: Scrumbie de Dunare, afumata |
Danube mackerel, natural wood smoke, salt |
| Deltaica | Sturgeon Balik local name: Batog de sturion |
Sturgeon fillet, natural wood smoke, salt, sugar |
|
Pure Natural Honey | ||
| DobroDulce | 100% natural honey local name: Miere Naturala |
varieties include: Rapeseed, Linden Tree blossom, Black locust, Wildflower/ Polyfloral |
|
Fruit Juice 100% | ||
| Doza de Fresh | Cold-pressed fruit juice local name: Suc de ... |
Cold-pressed, pasteurized, fruit juice |
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Dobrogea Wines
Numerous ancient artifacts and records speak of the importance of wine
in the life of the inhabitants of the ancient cities along the Romanian shore of the Black Sea.
Dobrogea grapevine acreage is currently estimated at over 43,400
There are three major wine regions in Dobrogea: Istria-Babadag, Murfatlar and Sarică-Niculițel, home to 14 large wineries.
Murfatlar, Romania's second-largest wine producing region, is located just 10 miles west of the Black Sea coast.
Over 300 days of sunshine, along with cool breezes from the sea, make this area ideal for the production of medium-dry and sweet wines, such as late harvest Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Muscat Ottonel.
Red wines are also produced at Murfatlar - Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir being the most popular.
Sarica Niculitel, a wine region located in the northern part of Dobrogea nearby Tulcea - the gateway to the Danube Delta,
also has a centuries-old winemaking tradition.
Besides the highly appreciated wines produced from Feteasca Regala, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel and Merlot grapes
Sarica Niculitel is also known for its wormwood wine obtained accordingly with the local technique:
white and/ or black grapes are placed in a barrel; wormwood flowers - sometimes quinces and/ or apples are added;
wine or grape-juice is then poured over. As it ferments, the grape juice (must in Romanian) rises and begins to spout freely.
Winetasting / Wineries in Dobrogea Region
Domeniile Ostrov
Address: village Ostrov (Constanta county)
Str. Regiei 1, DN 3 Ostrov
Telephone: (+4) 0757 374.389
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Crâmpoșie, Fetească Albă, Fetească Neagră, Italian Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Labels: Domeniile Ostrov Reserve, Legio, Naiada, Noe, Ritual
Crama Alira
Address: DJ 223 - Aliman
Telephone: (+4) 0755 946.376
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră, Merlot
Labels: Alira Grand Vin, Flamma, Special, Tribes
Domeniile Clos des Colombes
Address: DN 39B, Comuna 23 August
Telephone: (+4) 0732 007.200
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Albă, Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală, Italian Riesling, Merlot Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Viognier
Labels: Clos des Colombes
Crama Darie
Address: Str. Dunării 494 B, Topalu
Telephone: (+4) 0722 260.002
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Fetească Neagră, Merlot
Labels: Capidava, Străbun
Crama Vifrana / Crama Frâncu
Address: Str. Decebal 4, Adamclisi
Telephone: (+4) 0241 553.996
Wines: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Labels: 10 (zece), Bob cu Bob, Casino, Patrician, Symposion
Domeniul Vladoi
Address: Str. Murfatlar 14 B, Siminoc
Telephone: (+4) 0766 539.071
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Fetească Neagră, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Tămâioasă Românească
Labels: Brizza, Anca Maria, Ion Vladoi, Ravac
M1 Crama Atelier
Address: Str. Murfatlarului 1, Murfatlar
Telephone: (+4) 0740 231.012
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Fetească Neagră, Italian Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Labels: Amprenta, Arezan, Charme de la Mer, Fatum, Leat 6500, Noble Late Harvest, Sable Noble
Crama Murfatlar
Address: Calea București 2, Murfatlar
Telephone: (+4) 0722 103.641
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir
Labels: Academic, Columna, Vinoteca
Crama Delta Dunarii - La Sapata
Address: Str. Straja 16, Somova
Telephone: (+4) 0763 696.618
Wines: Băbească Neagră, Blauer, Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală, Rkatsiteli, Italian Riesling, Merlot, Muscat Ottonel, Sangiovese
Labels: La Sapata – Sarica Niculițel
Crama Vinuri de Macin
Address: Str. Viticultori 2, Măcin
Telephone: (+4) 0743 147.236
Wines: Aligoté, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fetească Neagră, Fetească Regală, Merlot, Muscat Ottonel Dry,
Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
Labels: Curtea Regală, Hercinic, Pelegrin, Renatus, Tres Rosae, Trei Brațe, Vinoteca
Crama Hamangia
Address: village Baia (Tulcea county),
Str. 1 Decembrie 110, DN 3 Ostrov
Telephone: (+4) 0722 156.004
Wines: Fetească Regală, Italian Riesling, Merlot, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc
Labels: Ataman, Kultura, Pagaia
Crama Histria
Address: village Cogealac
Strada Garii 1
(30 miles north of Constanta)
Telephone: (+4) 0755 946.376
Wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonay, Feteasca Neagra Rose, Merlot, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc,
Labels: Ammos, De Histria, Mirachi, Nikolaos.
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DOBROGEA TRIP PLANNING INFO
Transportation
Air transportation to Dobrogea region
Major airports:
Constanta International Airport (CND)
and
Tulcea (TCE),
(small plane charter flights and helicopter)
Airlines with service to Dobrogea region include: Tarom, Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air.
Travel to Dobrogea by train or bus
Several daily trains and buses connect Bucharest and other major cities in Romania to Dobrogea region.
Main train stations: Constanta, Cernavoda, Mangalia, Tulcea.
To check train and bus schedules for domestic routes please visit
RomaniaTourism domestic transportation section.
Road access
Border crossing points from Bulgaria into the Dobrogea region include: Vama Veche, Negru Voda and Ostrov
Highway A 2 (Autostrada A2 or Autostrada Soarelui connects Romania's capital city - Bucharest -
with the city of Constanta and the Black Sea Coast.
Dobrogea Region Tourist Info
Constanta City Hall - Tourism Department
Primaria Constanta
Address: Bd. Tomis 51
Telephone: (+4) 0241 550.055
E-mail
Tulcea Tourism
Tulcea Turism - Centrul de Informare Turistica Tulcea
Address: Strada Pacii 20
Telephone: (+4) 0240 511.440
E-mail.
Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration
Rezervatia Biosferei Delta Dunarii - ARBDD
Address: Str. Portului 34 A
Telephone: (+4) 240 518.945
E-mail
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Dobrogea Maps
Romania Historical Regions Map (Harta Regiunilor Istorice ale Romaniei
Romania - Main Tourist Attractions Map (Harta Atractii Turistice Majore)
City of Constanta Interactive Map (Harta Interactiva a Municipiului Constanta)
Town of Tulcea Interactive Map (Harta Interactiva a Municipiului Tulcea)
