Şimian: Island History and the Ada-Kaleh Heritage

When searching for hotels in Șimian, it helps to distinguish between the village and the island: Șimian Island lies opposite Şimian, downstream from the Porțile de Fier I Hydroelectric Power Plant, between Romania and Serbia. It is visible from DN6. The Ada-Kaleh heritage on the island gives this destination a distinct historical focus.

Fortress and Cemetery on Șimian Island

The Ada-Kaleh architectural complex includes a bastion fortress and an 18th-century Turkish cemetery. The fortress is also called Cetatea bastionară and likewise dates from the 18th century. The cemetery’s history is closely linked to the relocation of Ada-Kaleh to Șimian: in 1968, several stone tombstones and burial chambers were moved from Ada-Kaleh Island to reconstruct the Turkish cemetery. Before the Porțile de Fier reservoir was built, other objects and structural elements from Ada-Kaleh were also brought to Șimian Island that same year; they are still there today. However, their presence today does not mean that the island is open to the public.

The central avenue of the reconstructed cemetery is about 50 metres east of the reconstructed Ada-Kaleh gate. This approximate distance describes the position of two specific elements in the complex in relation to each other. This makes it possible to explore the island’s heritage not only through its buildings, but also through the layout of the reconstructed cemetery.

A Longer Island History

Ostrovul Șimian Island was inhabited from the Neolithic period through the feudal era. Another clearly dated reference takes us back to antiquity: during the construction of Trajan’s Bridge between 103 and 105, the island served as a natural base for diversion dams that channelled the water. These two aspects highlight different things—the island’s long history of habitation on the one hand, and its specific role during the bridge’s construction on the other. Together, they offer a perspective on the island’s history that extends beyond its 18th-century fortress and cemetery.

Landscape and the Danube

Şimian is situated in a predominantly hilly landscape. There are also lowland areas towards the Danube and in the floodplains of the Topolnița Valley. Both the hills and the lower-lying river areas are part of the region’s landscape. Danube cruises can also be arranged in the Şimian area. If you would like to include this option in your plans, check the specific arrangements in advance.

Planning a Visit to the Island

A tourism description dated 7 August 2018 stated that the open-air museum on the island could be reached only by water, using nautical transport. Check locally for current boat options before your trip. A restoration project for the Ada-Kaleh fortress on the island includes plans for visitor routes to ensure safe access.

Cultural Attractions in the Municipality

Not all cultural attractions in the municipality are located in Şimian itself. Cula Tudor Vladimirescu is in Cerneți, in Mehedinți County. Cula Nistor is also in Cerneți, on Dealul Gârdanului, in Șimian municipality. Consider whether your trip will focus mainly on the island’s history or also include the cultural attractions in Cerneți.

Discover more destinations: Baia de Aramă, Orșova, Eșelnița, Corcova, Floreşti, Dubova, Godeanu, Gura Văii

For the broader travel overview: Mehedinti.