Decebalus Rock Sculpture
Eșelnița, Romania
A giant face of the Dacian king carved into the cliffs above the Danube in the Iron Gates gorge. It is best seen from a boat on the river; from the road you only get a view across the water, so stop only where it is safe to pull over.
The rock sculpture of Decebalus, 55 metres high and 25 metres wide, is the tallest rock relief in Europe. It portrays the last Dacian king (reigned AD 87–106), who fought the Roman emperors Domitian and Trajan. Twelve sculptors led by Florin Cotarcea carved it between 1994 and 2004 on commission from the businessman Iosif Constantin Drăgan. Beneath it is the Latin inscription “DECEBALUS REX – DRAGAN FECIT”. The sculpture stands near Orșova on the Danube in the Iron Gates, where the river forms the border with Serbia, and faces the Tabula Traiana on the opposite bank.
You see it best from the water, for example on a boat trip on the Danube. Along the road, stop only where you can park safely.
- Nearest town
- Eșelnița, Romania
- Category
- Roadside oddities
- GPS
- 44.6264, 22.3019
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Romania: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- DanubiaMotorhome stopover6 km from Decebalus Rock SculptureMotorhomes
- Cazanele DunariiCampsite9 km from Decebalus Rock SculptureTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- MY KempCampsite16 km from Decebalus Rock SculptureTentsWi-Fi
All campsites in Romania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Decebalus Rock Sculpture?
Decebalus Rock Sculpture is in Eșelnița, Romania, at GPS 44.6264, 22.3019. It is about 124 km from Novaci.
Can you camp near Decebalus Rock Sculpture?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Danubia, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 3 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Decebalus Rock Sculpture?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bigăr Waterfall (50 km), Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress (116 km), Transalpina, Urdele Pass (133 km) and Corvin Castle (133 km).
When is the best time to visit Decebalus Rock Sculpture?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)