Exploring the legacy of the Danube: reconnecting Sulina and Galați
Reconstructing Europe’s river heritage
In September, the Palace of the European Commission of the Danube, an EHL Site in Romania, organised an educational trip to the Danube Delta and Sulina, tracing the historical chronology of the two headquarters of the European Commission of the Danube: Sulina and Galați.
The journey marked an important step in reinforcing the link between natural heritage and the region’s historical legacy. A highlight of the visit was the exploration of the Palace in Sulina — a landmark that continues to reflect the international importance of Danube navigation and European cooperation in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The visit brought together a select group of young participants, outstanding students, history and heritage enthusiasts, and representatives of local institutions, to discover the interconnections between the Danube’s past and its living culture.
Participants explored the rich biodiversity of the Delta and engaged with local communities and guides, gaining an authentic insight into the daily life, traditions, and resilience of the people who inhabit this unique ecosystem.
The level of engagement was remarkable: the activities sparked curiosity, inspired reflection, and encouraged dialogue among all participants. The experience offered a rare opportunity to deepen understanding of the Danube Delta’s intertwined cultural and natural identity and the European values embedded within it.
The visit to the Palace in Sulina was more than a historical exploration — it was a journey back to the era when Sulina served as Europe’s strategic gateway to the Danube. Through discussions and guided visits, participants revisited the chronological thread of the Commission’s activity, tracing its evolution from Sulina to Galați and reflecting on its crucial role in modernising navigation, facilitating trade, and shaping European integration.
The event’s success relied on collaboration with several local and regional partners. A passenger boat operator provided transport and logistical support along the Delta route, while a local guesthouse hosted the group and served traditional meals celebrating the area’s culinary heritage. A professional photographer joined the group to document the journey, leading a photo tour that captured the Delta’s landscapes, waterways, and communities — a vivid testament to the enduring connection between heritage and environment.
