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Rock Sculpture of Decebalus
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Landmark
The rock sculpture of Decebalus is the tallest stone monument in Europe, located on the banks of the Danube River in Mehedinți County. Standing 55 meters high and 25 meters wide, it towers over the Iron Gates gorge and is visible from a great distance. The sculpture was carved between 1994 and 2004 by a team of twelve sculptor-climbers working directly on the massive rock face. This monumental project was funded by Romanian businessman Iosif Constantin Drăgan as a tribute to the country's Dacian heritage. Directly across on the Serbian side lies the Tabula Traiana, marking the Roman victory over the Dacians, which gives the location powerful historical symbolism. The construction involved extreme conditions, using dynamite for the larger shapes and pneumatic tools for fine details above the Danube's abyss. Today, the statue is one of Romania's most photographed landmarks, representing national identity and the ancient history of the region.
- Location: Mehedinți, Romania
- Top sights: Statue of Decebalus · Trajan's Plaque
- Nearby: Orșova (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 49 | 51 | 51 | 54 | 78 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 56 | 63 | 56 | 56 |
📋 Practical info
Address
DN57, 227185 Dubova, Mehedinți
Hours
24/7
Entry
free
Transit
Car or excursion boat from Orșova
Parking
Small pull-off on DN57, often crowded
Accessibility
Visible from the shore, boarding usually involves steps
Photos
Allowed, best view from the water
Best time
Mornings for direct light
Audio guide
Information from boat guide
Geography
Facts
- The total height of the sculpture is exactly 55 meters.
- The width of the monument is approximately 25 meters.
- Construction spanned 10 years (1994-2004).
- A team of 12 sculptor-climbers worked on the project.
- The king's nose alone is 7 meters long.
- It is only 6 meters shorter than the Statue of Liberty.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Rock Sculpture of Decebalus (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the rock sculpture?
At 40 meters high and 25 meters wide, it is the largest rock sculpture in Europe, even taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio.
Do you have to pay an entrance fee?
No, the sculpture is visible for free from the DN57 road or from the Danube. Fees only apply to boat tours provided by local operators.
Who was Decebalus?
He was the last king of the Dacians (87-106 AD), who fought bravely against Roman emperors Domitian and Trajan to preserve his kingdom's independence.
When was the sculpture created?
The work took ten years, from 1994 to 2004. The project was funded by the wealthy historian and businessman Iosif Constantin Drăgan.
How do you reach the location?
The sculpture is in the Mraconia valley, about 15 km from Orșova. It is best reached by car via the DN57 road or by excursion boat.
Rock Sculpture of Decebalus: where is it located?
Rock Sculpture of Decebalus is located in Mehedinți, Romania.
Rock Sculpture of Decebalus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Statue of Decebalus, Trajan's Plaque.
Rock Sculpture of Decebalus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Rock Sculpture of Decebalus: why is it worth visiting?
The rock sculpture of Decebalus is the tallest stone monument in Europe, located on the banks of the Danube River in Mehedinți County.
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