Dubova on the Danube: Nature, Culture and Holiday Apartments

Nature Between Cliffs and the Danube

The Cazanele Dunării are a section of the Danube between Dubova and Orșova, where the river narrows dramatically between high, steep cliffs.

The Cazanele Mari are approximately 4 kilometres long and are dominated by the Ciucarul Mare massif. The Cazanele Mici are flanked by the Ciucarul Mic massif.

In the vicinity of Dubova, Ciucarul Mare is located in the Porțile de Fier Nature Park and offers panoramic views of the Cazanele Mari and the Danube.

Ciucarul Mic is also located in the vicinity of Dubova, in the Porțile de Fier Nature Park, on the opposite side of Dubova Bay from Ciucarul Mare, and offers a view of the Cazanele Mici.

Peștera Ponicova is the largest cave in the Danube Gorge and is more than 1,660 metres long.

In spring, the yellow Cazane tulip can be admired on the slopes of Ciucarul Mare in the vicinity of Dubova.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

The marked hiking trail to Ciucarul Mare begins in Dubova, has a moderate level of difficulty and takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill.

The hiking trail to Ciucarul Mic also begins in Dubova, takes approximately one hour and has an easy to moderate level of difficulty.

In the wider region around Dubova, the administration of the Porțile de Fier Nature Park has established four information points and created 15 walking trails for visitors, including one at Ciucaru Mare.

Water and Excursions

Boat trips, hikes and sport fishing are offered in the Cazanele Dunării area.

In the vicinity of Dubova, Peștera Veterani can only be reached by water; boats can be rented in Dubova and Eșelnița.

At DN57 in Dubova, postcode 227170, there is a boat trip service for the Cazanele Dunării.

Packages with ATVs or electric bicycles are offered for exploring the Svinița and Dubova areas; suggested or individually tailored routes are available, and a specialist from Danubian Adventures accompanies participants throughout the entire experience.

Other Places at a Glance

Other places: Şimian, Floreşti, Baia de Aramă, Orșova, Corcova, Godeanu, Gura Văii and Eșelnița.

Culture and History

The Orthodox church of Dubova is dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God.

Mraconia Monastery was originally built in the 15th century.

As part of the re-establishment of Mraconia Monastery initiated after 1989, the foundation stone for the new church was laid in 1993.

Mraconia Monastery is located on the left bank of the Danube at the entrance to the Cazanele Dunării and near the Chipul lui Decebal.

A layer in Climente I Cave in the Cazanele Mari region near Dubova contained hearths and faunal remains.

In the vicinity of Dubova, Peștera Veterani was already used during the Dacian period as a sacred site for the cult of the god Zamolxis.

In nearby Eibenthal, a village founded by ethnic Czechs, an important coal-mining centre developed after 1840.

Routes Through the Region

The Dubova–Eibenthal–Dubova circular route is 47.8 kilometres long and has a moderate level of difficulty.

The circular route connects the Cazanele Dunării region with the Munții Almăjului and leads through Dubova and Eibenthal.

To the higher-level travel overview: Mehedinti.