Attraction
Argamum Fortress
Argamum Fortress, known in antiquity by its Greek name Orgame, is considered the first settlement on the territory of present-day Romania to be mentioned in a written source — the work of the Greek geographer Hecataeus of Miletus, dating from the late 6th century BC. Founded by Greek colonists from Miletus around 670–660 BC on Capul Doloșman, near Jurilovca, Tulcea County, the archaeological site covers almost 100 hectares at the junction of the Babadag Plateau and Lake Razim. It is well worth visiting for its exceptional stratigraphy reflecting 14 centuries of continuous habitation and for the 300° panoramic view over the Razim-Sinoie lagoon complex.
Argamum Fortress is an exceptional archaeological site located on Capul Doloșman, within the commune of Jurilovca, Tulcea County, at the junction of the Babadagului Plateau and Limanul Razim — which in antiquity was an open gulf of the Black Sea, called by the Greeks Golful Argamon. Founded by colonists from Miletus — the most important Greek city-state of the era — around 670–660 BC under the name Orgame, it is considered by specialists to be the first Greek colony in the Pontic basin and the first settlement on the territory of present-day Romania to be mentioned in a written source: the work of the geographer Hecataeus of Miletus, from the late 6th century BC. The site was first identified by the historian Vasile Pârvan in 1916, and systematic archaeological research began in 1926 under the direction of Paul Nicorescu. Under Roman rule, the settlement was renamed Argamum and continued to be inhabited and developed until the 6th century AD, during the reign of Emperor Justinian — a total of approximately 14 centuries of continuous habitation. The site covers almost 100 hectares, the greater part of which remains unexcavated. Research has brought to light enclosure walls from multiple periods, four early Christian basilicas, imposing buildings, and the oldest Greek tomb discovered anywhere in the Black Sea basin, dated to the first half of the 7th century BC. The late Byzantine fortress of Argamon had an approximately triangular shape, with eight towers and three gates. The site lies within the perimeter of the Danube Delta National Park, which imposes strict rules regarding access and conservation. Capul Doloșman offers a nearly 300° panoramic view over the Razim-Sinoie lagoon complex, and ancient legend places here the stopover of Jason's Argonauts on their journey with the Golden Fleece.
Capul Doloșman, comuna Jurilovca, județul Tulcea