The Danube Delta is a natural paradise, made of a sophisticated network of waterways and lakes divided between the three main channels of the river Danube. This area of floating reed islands, forests, pastures and sand dunes is home to a fascinating mix of cultures and people as well as a vast array of wildlife.
The maze of canals bordered by thatch, willows and oaks entangled in lianas, offers the perfect breeding ground for countless species of birds, like eagles, egrets, vultures, geese, cranes, ibises, cormorants, swans , various kinds of pelicans or the Arctic geese.
In this natural paradise, there are a few man-made landmarkes, such as the wonderful Orthodox Monasteries Saon and Celic Dere.
The Celic Dere Monastery
is one of the best known monasteries in Dobrogea, considered the center of Orthodoxism of the area. It’s named after a nearby river, which translated from Turkish means “River of Steel”. The first church dates back to the 19th century. Within this monastery two very special icons can be found: one representing our Lord Jesus Christ , called also “The icon that cleans itself” and an icon of the Virgin Mary about which has been said that it survived two arsons.
The Saon Monastery
was built initially in the 19th century in wood and rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century in stone. It is a very special place, unique in its positioning and in its beauty. Visiting the Saon monastery will give you the chance of admiring the very active life of the nuns. There are weaving, embroidery and painting workshops and there are wide fields, gardens, orchards and vineyards cultivated by the nuns.
