National Park Djerdap – Danube River
The National Park “Đerdap” is positioned in the northeastern Serbia, at the border with Rumania.
The Park was protected in 1974, and it comprises 63,000 ha.
The prime attribute and the most remarkable aspect of the relief in this National Park is the grandiose Đerdap Gorge. It is the longest and the largest incising gorge in Europe. The Đerdap
Gorge is composed of four smaller gorges and three valleys that are interchanging along the line of almost 100 km.
The most beautiful gorge of the Đerdap is Veliki Kazan. In this part of its course, the mighty Danube is seized between steep, often vertical cliffs that rise even up to several hundred meters
above the river, which is not wider than 170 m. Exactly at this point the Danube is the deepest.
The depth of 90 m, measured in one of the huge hollows that are present in the Danube riverbed, represents one of the greatest river depths on Earth. The beauty of the canyon leaves an unforgettable impression on all visitors, regardless if it is observed from the river or from the edge of the plateau bending over the canyon. It is only here where it can be seen in a striking manner how Đerdap (Iron Gate) got its name.
The southern hinterland of the gorge is dissected by the erosive activity of a number of the Danube’s right tributaries. The canyon of the river Boljetinska Reka is particularly distinct for its attractive and dynamic morphology.
The canyon is significant from the aspect of the geoheritage protection, since a complete geological history of Serbia, from Palaeozoic to Cenozoic, can be observed in it. For its beauty, this geological profile is regarded as one of the most representative geological profiles in our country.
The great length and depth of the gorge, different expositions, most variable forms of relief, and a large number of sheltered habitats, caused the Đerdap Gorge to become the major refugium for ancient European plant and animal species.
The area of the National Park is inhabited by more than 1,100 plant species, among which are the Tertiary relics, such as the Turkish filbert (Corylus colurna), walnut (Juglans regia), common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), yew (Taxus baccata), linden (Tilia argentea), Caucasian lime (Tilia caucasia), Balkan maple (Acer intermedium), downy oak (Quercus pubescens), common holly (Ilex aquifolium). The species Tulipa hungarica has a particular place to which the Đerdap Gorge is the only habitat in the world.
The richness of the flora reflects in the rich vegetation as well, primarily the forest vegetation. More than 50 mixed forest and shrubby communities were registered, of which 35 have the relic character.
The National Park is the habitat of more than 150 bird species, such as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), short-toed eagle (Circaetus gallicus), white-tailed eagle (Haliaetus albicilla), black stork (Ciconia nigra), grey heron (Ardea cinerea).
The mammal fauna is also rich. The most attractive species are the brown bear (Ursus arctos), otter (Lutra lutra), Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), grey wolf (Canis lupus), jackal (Canis aureus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), chamois (Rupicarpa rupicarpa) and other species.
The National Park Đerdap is distinguished from other parks for its unique and exceptionally significant monumental heritage as well. This primarily refers to the archaeological find Lepenski Vir. During the systematic archaeological activities that preceded the construction of the first Iron Gate dam and formation of the reservoir, remains of a previously unknown prehistoric culture were found on the Danube terrace Lepenski Vir on the right riverbank. This finding was a true sensation in archaeological circles. The settlement with sacral buildings of specific construction and shape and sculptures made of huge round pebbles, representing fantastic fish-like creatures, belong to the one of the most complex prehistoric cultures from the period between 7,000 and 6,000 B.C. In the narrow valley in the form of an amphitheatre, complex social and economic relationships were developed, with the most ancient urban structure, sacral architecture, and monumental sculptures on the European continent to date.
A number of monuments bear witness on the time when the Roman Limes – a chain of fortifications, was formed along the Danube. Most remarkable are the remnants of a road, cut into the bare rock and finished during the times of the Roman emperor Traianus. The famous Tabula Traiana today still bears witness on this grand Roman endeavour.
One of the most beautiful sights on the Danube spreads at the very entrance into the gorge. On the steep slopes, at the place where the Danube suddenly narrows, the medieval town of Golubac is positioned, with its impressive cascade of fortifying towers and town walls with loopholes. This is one of the most beautiful and important fortresses of medieval Serbia on the Danube.
