Antique castle Transmariska

There are over 150 archeological objects officially registered in Tutrakan Municipality. Earliest evidence of human activity in Tutrakan district are flint tools /scrapers, blades, arrow head/. Tools are dated in the Neolithic and Eneolithic ages - 5500-3000 years BC.

The Roman settlement Transmariska is established in 40-50 AC. It is a permanent military station in Danube region till the end of the III c. In connection to a great construction activities and military reorganization of Danube district, Transmariska is visited by Emperor Deokletian in 294. He ordered to build the antique castle. The castle was finished in 299, when Deokletian visited the city for the second time. During the official visit a sigh is being placed, pointing the castle a “presidium”. The castle is one of the fourth biggest military centers in the district of the Second Mizia province. Here resided the prefect of the second XI Claudius Legion. Five cohorts of the legion are under his command. The cohorts help him to control the riverbank from Ryahovo village to Dolno Oryahovo village. Later, in the V and VI century Transmariska becomes an Episcopal center. Ancient village died in the early VII c. as a result of barbarian invasions.

The Roman and Byzantine castle, under the modern Tutrakan, is 65 acr. Some of the towers are square, including the restored tower №1, discovered in archeological excavations in 1995-1997. The tower has a postern on its western wall. Castle is restored and preserved in 2000- 2001.

In the space between the streets “Kreposta” and “P.Beron” the south wall of Transmariska is discovered, with two battle towers - one horseshoe shaped and the other harp shaped. The wall is a significant archeological monument and an interesting tourist sight.

Antique castle Transmariska was declared a cultural monument of national importance in 1968. Archeological excavation continue.