Svishtov is known as the first town to be liberated during the Russo-Turkish War , 1877-78 , since the largest part of the Imperial Russian Army forced the Danube nearby . In January 1878 a correspondent of '' The Times '' of London noted that , because of the war , " Sistova does not present its former animated appearance , although there is much more movement here than I expected , . . . with roast turkeys , chickens , and all other delicacies of the season on the bill of fare " of the " numerous restaurants in the town . " On 4 March 1977 , Svishtov suffered major structural damage in the Vrancea earthquake , including the collapse of three apartment blocks in which over 100 people were killed
Vrancea earthquake
1977 Vrancea earthquake
Svishtov