Natural and historical realities of the region enable the development of cognitive, cultural, ecological, rural and hunting tourism. The most interesting natural site in the region is Lake Srebarna. It is located in the south-western part of the plain and is part of the Srebarna Biosphere Reserve, included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural Heritage. Several islands have been formed in the Danube, some of which are suitable for recreational and tourist purposes. The Karakuz natural game preserve provides opportunities for hunting tourism and the nature reserves of Malak Preslavets (a lake with water-lilies) and Srebarna are convenient places for ecotourism. There are numerous archeological artifacts throughout the region – Thracian mounds, remnants of fortresses, the unique Silistra sepulcher. Due to the strategic location of the region, fortresses have been built there until the 19th century. Houses and churches from the National Revival period have been preserved and the fishermen’s neighbourhood (Ribarskata mahala) in Tutrakan is the only architectural complex of this kind in Bulgaria. The economic and cultural development of the region has been heavily influenced by the Romanian occupation of South Dobrudzha. After the Balkan War of 1913 the town of Silistra has been taken in Romanian possession and was regained by Bulgaria in 1940. Amongst the historical landmarks are Kyuchuk Kainardzha drinking fountain (Kyuchukkainardzhiiska cheshma) in the village of Kainardzha, where a peace treaty between Russia and Turkey was signed in 1774, and the Military Tomb Memorial Complex near the village of Shumentsi, in memory of those who died in 1916 for the liberation of Dobrudzha.

Quick facts about District Silistra
In Bulgarian Aplhabets: Силистра
Location: North-East Bulgaria
Area size of district: 2846km²
Population of district: 142000 people
Total Towns and Cities in Silistra province: 5
Total Villages in Silistra province: 113
Regional Center: Town of Silistra
Municipalities in Silistra Dsitrict: 7 - Municipality Alfatar, Municipality Dulovo, Municipality Glavinitsa, Municipality Kaynardja, Municipality Silistra, Municipality Sitovo, Municipality Tutrakan

The town of Silistra, with population of 52 000 residents, is located on the right bank of the Danube River at about 20 meters above the sea level. Being an administrative center, it is 440 km. from Sofia and 120 km. from Rousse, 110 km. away from Shoumen and 140 km. to Varna. The region of Silistra includes the northeastern part of the Danubean plain. It offers marvelous opportunities for cultural and ecological tourism. In Silistra - a town with old, rich and interesting history, a successor of the Roman settlement of Durostorum, there are numerous sights of interest, such as the history and ethnography museums, National architectural and archeological reserve of 'Durostorum - Drustur - Silistra', the Roman tomb from 4 th century with invaluable frescoes. Near the town is situated the Turkish fortress of Medjid Tabiya.

History
Silisitra was first mentioned in 106 AD in a written order by the emperor Trayan, which means that by that time the town was already a strong fortress. It served as a striking force against the Empire enemies who came from the north crossing the Danube. Durostorum, as was the old name of the settlement, became a self-governing town - municipium in 169 AD, under Marcus Aurellus - philosopher and writer, Emperor of Rome from 161-180 AD.
Being an administrative and economy centre as well as an important customs station Durostrum experienced vigorous growth.

The Romans undertook major building projects - large and beautiful public buildings, churches, basilicas, baths and private houses, water conduits and marble statues and bas-relieves on the squares.
In 590 the Slavs settled here. They re-named the town Drustur. Rich and prosperous, Drustur became an important Bulgarian stronghold and played a main role during the Conversion of Bulgarian to Christianity. In 969 Svetoslav - the Prince of Kiev was in front of the Drustur walls but this time the heavy town gates opened. In 976 Samuil liberated Drustur and the town became again a Bulgarian stronghold till the end of the millennium.

In 1391 the fortress of Drustur became Turkish for several long centuries. At the end of 1912 the Balkan Alliance pushed the Turks out of Europe and Bulgaria and its neighbors negotiated for peace and distribution of the lands that used to be Turkish possession in Europe. At the same time, Romania, making use of the Bulgaria's engagements during the war claimed for the fertile south Dobroudzha as a compensation for the large parts of Macedonia, which Bulgaria would eventually gain. The conference recommended Bulgaria to cede the town of Silistra and the area westward and southward of it within radius of 3 km, with total area of 10 sq. km to Romania.

Museums

Museum of archaeology - one of the most temporary and modern in the country, with tens of unique cultural memorials of the roman, and medieval culture with national and world importance.
Museum of ethnography - represents the isolated material and spiritual culture of South Dobrudzha of the XVIII and XIX centuries.
On the territory of the municipality function also: Dramatical Theatre with two departments- dramatic and puppet, Museum of history with 4 departments, Museum of Nature - village of Srebarna, Regional Library, Gallery of Arts, 2 private galleries, radio center, municipal brass band, 12 cultural centers, professional groups of journalists, painters, architects, scientific group unto the Museum of History.
No matter the objective difficulties there no terminated cultural structures, thanks to which the cultural processes in the municipality Silistra develop professionally, considering the specifics of the region for a purposeful influence.

Arts

The cultural traditions of the town are considerable. - in 1999 function 84 teams with 3000 participants - 49 urban and 35 rural ensembles. Distributed in genres they are as follows:

classic - 10
folklore - 58
interests groups - 10
entertainment - 6
Distinguished artistic ensembles work in the town of Silistra, which realize a representative concert activity.

The most distinguished are:

Ensemble "Dobrudzhanche" - established in 1977 . 350children are actively included in it, with age from 5 to 15 years, united into there dance groups. In the extra curricular time they study the specifics of the dance, song, and music arts.
Ensemble for national songs and dances "Silistra" - established in 1966 from a group of enthusiastic amateurs of the folklore of Dobrudzha. It till present time preserves and makes popular the rich heritage , created through the centuries by the hard working children of the plain. The programs of the ensemble include spring horo-dances of maidens, slow harvesters' and evening gathering songs, excited mens' and plays from weddings and festival convocations, joyful refrains and witty jokes.
Dance ensemble "Dobrudzha" - established in 1956. 120 dancers work in the ensemble, who represent the eternal beauty and charm of the authentic folklore dance of Dobrudzha. The dancers perform with great inspiration the dances of the northern, thracian and shopy folklore regions.
Ensemble "Grebentsi" - established in 1968 . 50 performers participate in the ensemble, performing Bulgarian national music and dances from the age 10- to -20-years. The dances , included in the repertoire expresses the children and youth emotions and spirituality.

Photo Gallery