The sculpture is located directly across the river from the Tabula Traiana, an ancient Roman commemorative plaque built by Emperor Trajan around 100 AD.
The base of the king's nose alone measures 7 meters long and 4 meters wide.
The project was executed using the 'alp-sculpture' technique, requiring climbers to scale the cliff to perform the carving work.
Because it is carved into a cliff face, the sculpture can only be fully appreciated from the water, as the perspective from the road is obstructed by terrain.
During the construction process, the team used dynamite for the rough shaping of the rock, followed by pneumatic drills for the detailed facial features.
The eyes of the sculpture are approximately 4.3 meters long.
The site was chosen partly for its historical significance, as the Danube valley here served as the primary battleground between Roman forces and the Dacian kingdom.
The Rock Sculpture of Decebalus is the tallest rock-cut sculpture in Europe, measuring 42.9 meters high and 31.6 meters wide. Carved directly into the limestone cliff face on the banks of the Danube, it depicts the last king of Dacia, Decebalus, who fought against Roman emperors Domitian and Trajan. Construction lasted ten years, from 1994 to 2004, and involved a team of twelve sculptors led by Florin Cotarcea. The monument is situated in the Iron Gates natural park, specifically in the area known as the Danube's Big Boilers (Cazanele Mari). It was commissioned and funded by Romanian businessman Iosif Constantin Drăgan. The carving is situated at a point where the Danube reaches its narrowest and deepest section along its course through the Carpathian Mountains. The sculpture is accessible primarily via the DN57 road or by boat from the river. It stands as a modern tribute to the ancient resistance of the Daco-Getae people.
From a rental boat or local sightseeing cruise in the middle of the Danube for a front-facing perspective.
Take a boat tour from the Dubova harbor to see the sculpture from the water, as the road view is limited.
Combine your visit with a short hike to the nearby Ciucarul Mare peak for an aerial perspective of the Danube gorges.
Bring binoculars if viewing from the roadside to capture the detail of the eyes and facial expression.
Do not attempt to climb the cliff face or touch the sculpture; it is strictly prohibited and dangerous.
