Giurgiu (Romania)

Giurgiu (port locode ROGRG) is a Danube River cruise port in Romania's historical Muntenia region. The town is located amid marshes and mud-flats on the river's left bank, facing the Bulgarian port town Ruse (on the river's right bank). Both are directly connected via the Giurgiu-Ruse Friendship Bridge (length 2223 m / 7293 ft, built 1952-1954). The city has population around 55,000.

Giurgiu is the main gateway/cruise port to Romania's capital, Bucharest, approx 60 km (40 mi) or ~1 hour drive to the north.

Three little islands face Giurgiu. Rich grain-growing land to the north is traversed by the railway to Bucharest, which was Romania's first ever railway (1869-built, later extended to Smarda Port).

Giurgiu uses the Danube waterway for its main exports (grain, salt, petroleum, timber) and also for importing iron, coal, and textiles.

The city was established in the 14th century as a port on the Danube by Genoese merchant adventurers. They established a bank and traded in velvets and silks. A theory suggests that the merchants named it after San Giorgio (St George), the patron saint of Genoa.