Private Drive: Excursion to Enisala, Argamum Fortress &Celic Dere

What your day looks like

Enisala Fortress Enisala Fortress was built between the 13th and 14th centuries by the Byzantine Empire in cooperation with the Genoves traders operating on the Black Sea. Once an important military and administrative position, new canals and shifting sands cut off the gulf, creating Lake Razim. Having lost its strategic position, the citadel was abandoned and fell into ruin. During the Russian-Ottoman wars, the Russian Army ordered the destruction of all fortresses with an Ottoman garrison, but Enisala was ignored since it wasn’t in use. Thanks to this, Enisala is the only medieval citadel in the region. Visitors can learn about the castle’s history through signs and small museum, and the surviving fortified walls offer a look at man’s ingenuity, with the medieval ‘cement’ still plainly visible. Visitors can also enjoy what once made the citadel’s location so important: the stupendous panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and hills. Argamum Fortress Argamum was founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC, and after around the first century BC it was conquered by the Romans, who expanded the site. After the fall of the Empire, this once important Black Sea stronghold was abandoned and left to fall into ruin. The two hectares of ruins visible today mark the oldest archaeological site in Romania. While the artefacts like coins and bronze arrowheads have all been excavated, the ruins’ position high on a promontory provides stupendous views of the Black Sea and down the coast, making it easy to see why the site was chosen in ancient times. Celic Dere Established at the beginning of the 19th century as a mixed monastery, the site was destroyed during the Crimean War, with a graveyard now taking up the original structure’s grounds. Afterwards, the monks were relocated and a convent was built, which resembles a village with scattered farms. The monumental church was built in the early 20th century, and has a beautiful painted interior complete with gold-covered altar. The monastery served as a painting studio, primary school for adults, and even a traditional weaving and sewing workshop, founded under the care of bishop Nifon. Today, the monastery museum houses artifacts from its diverse history, including religious objects, rare books, handmade carpets and seven icons, including the oldest icon in Romania, and an image of Jesus which miraculously cleaned itself. *Optional third party activities such as tours or attraction fees are not included in the price. We can’t guarantee that every attraction will be open for your trip, so we recommend checking the opening hours in advance. *Please note that this experience includes a private driver but it does not include a guide and is not a guided tour.