The town of Silistra is located on the right (Bulgarian) bank of the Danube River. It is 442 km and 122 km north–east of Sofia and Rousse respectively, 113 km north of Shoumen and 143 km north–west of Varna. The town is district center.
The town was referred to for first time in 106 AD in a written order by the emperor Trayan about the moving of XI Claudius Legion from Panonia to Durostrum. This means that at those times 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 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. Drustur became an important Bulgarian stronghold and played a main role during the Conversion of Bulgarian to Christianity. The name “Silistra” was firstly mentioned during the negotiations between Tsar Ivan Shishman and Mourad.

Landmarks
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 ХVІІІ and ХІХ 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.

Surrounding areas
The biosphere reserve Srebarna is included in the world fund of natural monuments unto UNESCO in 1984. It is situated on 16 km distance from Silistra.