South East Europe
Danube Road
Cultural Roads
The Danube Road is a water cultural corridor along the big European Danube river. Springing from Schwarzwald (Germany), the river passes through Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Bulgaria and Romania to flow into the Black Sea. It is the only big navigable river in Europe, flowing in east-west direction, which determines its exceptional significance as an important connection between Western Europe and the Black Sea for ages.
The Danube Road, along with its riverside roads has been for hundreds of years conductors of cultural exchange. During the Roman empire, then river called once Danubius (Latin) caused the foundation of a number of strategic towns – Neoplanta (Novi Sad), Singidunum (Belgrade), Bononia (Vidin), Nicopolis ad Istrum (Nikopol), Sexaginta Prista (Rousse), Durostorum (Silistra). At that time, the main communication lines connecting the settlements, passed parallel to the river. The same town expanded and during the Middle Ages became strategic fortresses. Gradually, the river - border of empires and defence bank – lost its defensive function. The roads of the Vikings penetrated in South East Europe through the big river’s delta on the Black Sea, the Danube Road facilitated the access to Constantinople, while Crusaders used the river as transport road in their marches to the East. The old land roads waned, while the river turned into a strong stimulator for the penetration of European influences. In the coastal areas were established Catholic settlements; becoming a significant trade connection, during the 19th century the Danube Road was the actual conductor of the West-European cultural, scientific and technical achievements to South East Europe.
In the historical towns, situated alongside the Danube Road, one may discover a common history of continuity. The Roman settlements and Medieval fortresses live co-exist with typical urban ensembles from the 20th century with strong influence of European architecture. The dialogue among the West-European styles – Secession, Neoclassic, Neo-Baroque, Romanticism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Modern, the magnificent remains of the ancient towns and the river create unique individual impressions. The Srebarna Reserve and the Danube delta host also numerous rare vegetation and animal species.
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