Treasures of Mehedinți County and Banat Along the Danube Orsova (Orșova), a municipality in Mehedinți County, is located in southwestern Romania on the left bank of the Danube, in the southeastern corner of Banat, where the Cerna River flows into the Danube. The city lies near the Iron Gates (Porțile de Fier), just 17 km from the Iron Gates I hydroelectric dam. Modern Orsova was rebuilt between 1966 and 1974 on a Danube terrace after the original settlement was submerged due to the dam’s construction. It covers an area of approximately 56 km² and had a population of about 9,000 in 2021. Băile Herculane, a gem of the Cerna Valley, is situated 40 km west of Orsova in the Banat Mountains at an altitude of 168 meters. This historic spa town, famous for its thermal springs since Roman times, remains a popular destination for wellness and nature enthusiasts. Its population is around 5,000, with an area of 135 km². Both locations enjoy a temperate continental climate with Mediterranean influences: in Orsova, average temperatures are 25-30 °C in summer and 0-5 °C in winter; in Băile Herculane, 22-28 °C in summer and -2 to +3 °C in winter, with a milder microclimate due to the thermal springs. The 40 km distance between the two makes them perfect for a combined visit. Natural Attractions The region is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from the Danube to mountains and thermal springs. Iron Gates (Porțile de Fier) Distance from Orsova: 17 km southwest; from Băile Herculane: 55 km east Description: The most spectacular stretch of the Danube, where the river cuts through the Carpathians and Banat Mountains in narrow gorges. Spanning about 134 km, its most striking section is near Orsova, with cliffs rising 200-500 m. Activities: Boat trips from Orsova (50-100 RON/person). Temperatures: Summer 28-32 °C, winter 0-2 °C along the shore. Decebal Statue (Statuia lui Decebal) Distance from Orsova: 25 km southwest; from Băile Herculane: 65 km east Description: A 55-meter-high rock relief of the Dacian king Decebal in the Mraconia Gulf of the Danube Gorges, Europe’s largest of its kind. Access: By boat from Orsova, about 1 hour. Danube Gorges (Cazanele Dunării) Distance from Orsova: 20-25 km southwest; from Băile Herculane: 60-65 km east Description: The narrowest (150 m) and deepest (up to 90 m) points of the Danube, featuring caves (e.g., Veterani Cave). Activities: Boat tours, fishing. Mehedinți Mountains (Munții Mehedinți) Distance from Orsova: 30-40 km northwest; from Băile Herculane: 15-20 km northeast Description: The highest peak is Vâ…