Our last stop of the day is at Halmyris Fortress the last fortress in the Moesian lime protecting the Roman area south of the Danube from barbarian attacks. It was also a major resupply center for the fleets patrolling the Danube. We start the visit with the small museum in the visitor center, it has a few interesting artifacts found here.
We then go outside to look at the outside frescoes and enjoy the funny European Ground Squirrels playing around in the fields.
Next it is time to explore the fortress proper, we start with the impressive western gate and in we go.
In fact the gate is well protected, it is a double gate with an area where you could previously stall and kill any attackers. This was a redesign after the Goths conquered Halmyris in the fort’s early history.
It is quite an extensive site and we explore both the walls and walk among the ruins as we try to get to the center of the site.
We assume the center of the area is in the covered section so we make our way to it but not before stopping to look at one of the massive towers. Or at least what is left of it whih is just the foundation.
In the first covered area are the remains of the crypt of two saints that were martyred here and then later entombed. There is also a small icon showing the two saints, Epictetus and Astion.
We then make our way to the next covered area, this time following the paths through the ruins. It is getting late already so we hurry as the site will close soon and also our host for the night is awaiting us.
The last major area we visit are the baths and the northern gate protected by a couple huge towers from which only the foundations remain. And then it is back to the car for the short drive to our accomodation.
Next we arrive at our accomodation and we order a typical regional dinner, while in the Danube Delta, eat like them I guess. It is homemade and we are looking forward to it as we relax in the large dinner area.
Soon the food is coming and it is homemade and quite good. We get our fill of fish including our relative which hates fish and unfortunately doesn’t have any choice. And then we go to sleep as tomorrow we have a boat trip planned in the Danube Delta.
