Thematic Route: The Cultural Heritage Route

Name of the Touristic Attraction: Roman Catholic Cathedral in Orșova

Location: in Orșova, Mehedinți County, at 29 km west from Drobeta Turnu Severin.

Description: Considered an architectural masterpiece of the XX century, the Roman Catholic Cathedral is the creation of the architect Hans Fackelmann and has the shape of a tent with a cross-shaped roof. The cathedral provides a place of worship for all the believers of German, Czech, Romanian and Hungarian nationality in Orșova, being the connecting bridge between the minorities in the area. It is a cathedral that amazes both through its non-conformist form and for the period of construction, between 1972 and 1976, being the only Catholic Church built during the communist regime. Inside the building, the Cross Road painted on the walls, around the cathedral by Gabriel Popa stirred up serious disputes, because the artist used contemporary figures to illustrate the biblical scenes. Thus near Pilate of Pont appears Lenin who instigates people against Jesus. John Lennon symbolizes the joy of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cathedral has an electronic pipe organ, but it also keeps an old mechanical pipe organ. They accompany the religious service but are also used for certain concerts. The religious ceremony is held in 4 languages: German, Czech, Hungarian and Romanian.

Information and Contact:

Visiting program:

• Daily: 09:00 -17:00

Cathedral Contact: tel.: +4 0252-361-445

Route close to other Thematic Routes:

In the area you can also visit:

1. The Danube Cluster
2. “Saint Nicholas” Church in Orșova
3. The Iron Gates Region Museum, Orșova subsidiary
4. Saint Ana Monastery, Orșova

Touristic Offers:

–           Fishing on the Danube

–           There are boat trips and cruises on the Danube, from Orșova. Water sports can also be practiced here

Other useful information:

 Events in Orșova:

1. “Mihai Eminescu” Festival – 15^th January;
2. Orşova’s Celebration Days – 14^th -15^th August;
3. Autumn Festival – in October;
4. Youth Competitions: The Danube`s Pearl Festival, The Iron Gates Trophy and ”Robotor”

Accommodation:

“Apolodor” Hotel: phone: +40352 415 925

“Țaka” Pension: phone: +40252 360 335

“Damiro” Pension: phone: +40722 207 930

“Meridian” Hotel: phone: +40252 362 800

“Casa Noastră” Pension: phone: +40745 110 839

“Casa Verde”: phone: +40744 954 191

 GPS Coordinates: lat/ long: 44.7243645/ 22.39363430000003, elevation: 78 m