Constanța
Constanța is located on the shores of the Black Sea, with a lagoon area to the east, a hill area to the north and center, and plain area to the south and west. The city of Constanța has its own 61 km long beach. The northern side of the city, called Mamaia, is the most populated Romanian seaside resort, it’s located on the shores of a lagoon and has a 7 km long beach.
A large part of the city is located in a lagoon area, with Lakes Siutghiol and Mamaia to the north and Lake Tabacariei to the north-east. Basically, Constanța is sitting on an island, as the city is bordered to the north and north-west by the Poarta Alba-Midia Navodari Channel, to the east by the Black Sea, and to the south and west by the Danube-Black Sea Channel.
A large part of the city is located in a lagoon area, with Lakes Siutghiol and Mamaia to the north and Lake Tabacariei to the north-east. Basically, Constanța is sitting on an island, as the city is bordered to the north and north-west by the Poarta Alba-Midia Navodari Channel, to the east by the Black Sea, and to the south and west by the Danube-Black Sea Channel.
The city is located on the Black Sea coast, having a beach length of 13 kilometres (8 miles).
Novelties on Constanța
Constanța is the oldest settlement confirmed on Romanian territory, its first historical confirmation dating back to 657 B.C., when on the site of the actual peninsula a Greek colony, called Tomis, was established.
Constanța Port has a 2,000 year history and is the largest port in Romania and in top 10 of the world.
All kinds of communities live in Constanța, and proof for this diversity are the worship places you encounter at every step. In the Peninsula zone, in an area of less than 1 km² there eight buildings that shelters different cults.
Economically, Constanța is second after Bucharest, and 40% of the tourist accommodation capacity of Romania is concentrated in this county.
Constanța has the biggest extreme sports activity park in Romania, which has an area of 8,500 m² – it is called Gravity Park.
The first public aquarium in Romania was opened in Constanța on May, 1st 1958.
Constanța Port has a 2,000 year history and is the largest port in Romania and in top 10 of the world.
All kinds of communities live in Constanța, and proof for this diversity are the worship places you encounter at every step. In the Peninsula zone, in an area of less than 1 km² there eight buildings that shelters different cults.
Economically, Constanța is second after Bucharest, and 40% of the tourist accommodation capacity of Romania is concentrated in this county.
Constanța has the biggest extreme sports activity park in Romania, which has an area of 8,500 m² – it is called Gravity Park.
The first public aquarium in Romania was opened in Constanța on May, 1st 1958.
Regarding the archaeological heritage, the National History and Archaeology Museum is the second most important in the country, after The History Museum in Bucharest.
The Great Mosque Carol is the first civilian construction executed with reinforced concrete in Romania, and it was King Carol I’s initiative to build it, between 1910 and 1913, as a sign of gratitude for the local Muslim community.
One of the two sculpture only museum in Romania is in Constanța, and is dedicate to Ion Jalea.
The Dolphinarium, built in 1972 next to the Planetarium and the Astronomical Observatory, was the first facility of its kind in south-eastern Europe.
Annually, Fashion Summer Festival Mamaia brings together tens of international fashion designers. The festival is broadcasted in over 160 countries.
Spa resorts by the sea-side use the famous anti-aging products from Aslavital and Gerovital. Personalities like Tito, Charles de Gaulle, Khrushchev, J.F. Kennedy, Indira Gandhi, Imelda Marcos, Marlene Dietrich, Konrad Adenauer, Charlie Chaplin, Kirk Douglas and Salvador Dali used these products.
The Great Mosque Carol is the first civilian construction executed with reinforced concrete in Romania, and it was King Carol I’s initiative to build it, between 1910 and 1913, as a sign of gratitude for the local Muslim community.
One of the two sculpture only museum in Romania is in Constanța, and is dedicate to Ion Jalea.
The Dolphinarium, built in 1972 next to the Planetarium and the Astronomical Observatory, was the first facility of its kind in south-eastern Europe.
Annually, Fashion Summer Festival Mamaia brings together tens of international fashion designers. The festival is broadcasted in over 160 countries.
Spa resorts by the sea-side use the famous anti-aging products from Aslavital and Gerovital. Personalities like Tito, Charles de Gaulle, Khrushchev, J.F. Kennedy, Indira Gandhi, Imelda Marcos, Marlene Dietrich, Konrad Adenauer, Charlie Chaplin, Kirk Douglas and Salvador Dali used these products.
Things to do in Constanța
You can visit the History Museum, The Art Museum and the Navy Museum, the roman edifice with mosaic and the roman baths and discover more about the usual activities of the ancient people of Tomis, the Great Mosque Carol, the Casino in Constanța, the Greek Church, Saints Peter and Pavel Orthodox Cathedral, the Genovese Lighthouse.
You can’t miss out on the Aquarium, the Planetarium, the Delphinarium, The Astronomical Observatory, the natural reserve.
A visit to Gravity Park, a facility for extreme sports aficionados of any age, fully equipped for satisfying all necessities.
Visit Tomis Port who harmoniously fits in the urban architecture of Constanța, as an extension of the Casino promenade, and it connects it to the city beach. Access to the port from the city is extremely easy, both by car and on foot. Close nearby there are a lot of landmarks that increase the attraction degree: Ovid Square with the statue of poet Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso), the Museum of Archaeology, The Roman Mosaic with ancient vestiges of the old Tomis, the Aquarium, the Genovese Lighthouse, the Casino.
You can’t miss out on the Aquarium, the Planetarium, the Delphinarium, The Astronomical Observatory, the natural reserve.
A visit to Gravity Park, a facility for extreme sports aficionados of any age, fully equipped for satisfying all necessities.
Visit Tomis Port who harmoniously fits in the urban architecture of Constanța, as an extension of the Casino promenade, and it connects it to the city beach. Access to the port from the city is extremely easy, both by car and on foot. Close nearby there are a lot of landmarks that increase the attraction degree: Ovid Square with the statue of poet Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso), the Museum of Archaeology, The Roman Mosaic with ancient vestiges of the old Tomis, the Aquarium, the Genovese Lighthouse, the Casino.
A statue of Ovid stands in the Ovid Square (Piața Ovidiu) of Constanța, in front of the History Museum (the former City Hall).
Tabacariei Park stretches on 100 hectares around Tabacariei Lake in Constanța, and it is one of the most beautiful parks in Dobrogea and among the largest in the country. The Park has 3 lake inside and on their shores grows a luxuriant vegetation that is covering the most part of the park. The lakes have islands, peninsulas and isthmuses that add to the romantic scenery. The multitude of bridges and culverts that facilitate access over water imbue the park with a special charm.
Have a meal in one of the fish restaurants and enjoy traditional food, for example the drobrogean pie.
Nearby Constanța, at Murfatlar you can take a tour of the famous vineyard and taste their wines.
Have a meal in one of the fish restaurants and enjoy traditional food, for example the drobrogean pie.
Nearby Constanța, at Murfatlar you can take a tour of the famous vineyard and taste their wines.
There are beaches equipped for entertainment, with outdoor bars, restaurants, lifeguards, soccer and volleyball courts.
Historical Marks
Constanța is the oldest confirmed city on Romanian territory. Its first documented confirmation dates back to 657 B.C., when on the place of the current peninsula (and right under the waters in front of the Casino) Greek colony called Tomis was established. The settlement was conquered by Romans in 71 B.C. and renamed Constantiana, after the sister of emperor Constantin the Great.
According to the legend, mythical Jason, king of Iolcos citadel in Thessalia, and his Argonauts stopped for rest in Tomis on their way to Caucasus to steal the Golden Fleece.
In the Middle Age, Constanța was one of the few markets for Genovese trading in the Black Sea. Traders and Genovese ship-owners were stationed in the peninsula.
According to the legend, mythical Jason, king of Iolcos citadel in Thessalia, and his Argonauts stopped for rest in Tomis on their way to Caucasus to steal the Golden Fleece.
In the Middle Age, Constanța was one of the few markets for Genovese trading in the Black Sea. Traders and Genovese ship-owners were stationed in the peninsula.
Tomis was later renamed to Constantiana in honour of Constantia, the half-sister of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great (274-337).
Cultural and Architectonic Marks
Constanța, as one of the biggest cities in Romania, is also a cultural center of national importance. Here is the Constanța State Theatre, established in 1951, and the Oleg Danovski Opera and Ballet National Theatre.
Constanța is also known for its numerous museums: The Nature Sciences Museum Complex, divided into six sections: dolphinarium, planetarium, astronomical observatory, micro reserve and exotic birds and scenery exhibition, The Aquarium, The Navy Museum, The Folk Art Museum, The National History and Archaeology Museum, The Sea Museum, The Constanța Port Museum and The “Ion Jalea” Sculpture Museum.
In Constanța you can find examples of different architectonic styles.
The old mosque and the old synagogue can still be seen (the second one lacking the rooftop), but the new mosque, built in Moorish style in 1910, can be visited.
The 2nd century Roman edifice or the Genovese Lighthouse (built in 1860 by French engineer Michel Pasa, on the medieval Genovese base) are, along with the Greek church on Mircea cel Bătrân Boulevard, the oldest buildings in the city.
Constanța is also known for its numerous museums: The Nature Sciences Museum Complex, divided into six sections: dolphinarium, planetarium, astronomical observatory, micro reserve and exotic birds and scenery exhibition, The Aquarium, The Navy Museum, The Folk Art Museum, The National History and Archaeology Museum, The Sea Museum, The Constanța Port Museum and The “Ion Jalea” Sculpture Museum.
In Constanța you can find examples of different architectonic styles.
The old mosque and the old synagogue can still be seen (the second one lacking the rooftop), but the new mosque, built in Moorish style in 1910, can be visited.
The 2nd century Roman edifice or the Genovese Lighthouse (built in 1860 by French engineer Michel Pasa, on the medieval Genovese base) are, along with the Greek church on Mircea cel Bătrân Boulevard, the oldest buildings in the city.
The Romanian Navy Museum in Constanța is the most important institution of its kind in Romania and shelters valuable evidence of the development of the military and civil navy in our country. Located on Traian Street, the museum is hosted by an imposing building which has a history as interesting as the exhibits it hosts. The edifice was built up in 1909 and hosted the Superior School of Navy, the first high education institution in Dobrogea region.
The museum’s range of exhibits is very large and is set up chronologically, presenting the history of the military and commercial navy in our country, the development of sailing and the means of sailing in the Carpathian-Danube-Pontic space. The museum begins its story of sailing in local lands with the antiquity era.
The story continues with the medieval era, a period very well illustrated within the museum and which connects mainly to the ruling periods of two of the most important Romanian figures: Mircea cel Bătrân and Ștefan cel Mare. Within this section there are exhibits of scale models of ships, traditional sailing crafts, ship decorations, a navigation kit with extremely rare navigation items etc.
The museum’s collections are not only unique, but also new and spectacular. They comprise sailor’s knots, anchors – some of impressive dimensions, steering wheels, weapons of all kinds – from melee weapons made by Dacians to artillery weaponry. The collection of ship mock-ups is one of the most important exhibits of the Romanian Navy Museum, it has 150 scale models of military and civilian ships that have been part of the Romanian fleet throughout the history. The Museum also has an important navy uniform collection. The first official uniform of the Romanian sailors dates back to 1850.
The museum’s range of exhibits is very large and is set up chronologically, presenting the history of the military and commercial navy in our country, the development of sailing and the means of sailing in the Carpathian-Danube-Pontic space. The museum begins its story of sailing in local lands with the antiquity era.
The story continues with the medieval era, a period very well illustrated within the museum and which connects mainly to the ruling periods of two of the most important Romanian figures: Mircea cel Bătrân and Ștefan cel Mare. Within this section there are exhibits of scale models of ships, traditional sailing crafts, ship decorations, a navigation kit with extremely rare navigation items etc.
The museum’s collections are not only unique, but also new and spectacular. They comprise sailor’s knots, anchors – some of impressive dimensions, steering wheels, weapons of all kinds – from melee weapons made by Dacians to artillery weaponry. The collection of ship mock-ups is one of the most important exhibits of the Romanian Navy Museum, it has 150 scale models of military and civilian ships that have been part of the Romanian fleet throughout the history. The Museum also has an important navy uniform collection. The first official uniform of the Romanian sailors dates back to 1850.
The Port of Constanța is the largest on the Black Sea and the fourth largest in Europe.
The Casino in Constanța. The beginnings of the Casino are connected to the moment when Dobrogea was passed to Romanian administration, and it was the first building erected by the seaside after the Ottoman domination had ended. More precisely, the ground stone of the Casino was laid in 1880.
In 1903, the local administration decided it was high time Constanța had a modern casino, similar to those who jazzed up the French Riviera. The task of making the project lay-outs was given to Daniel Renard, a Romanian architect of French origins, who was living in Constanța. He designed an Art Nouveau building, becoming the promotor of this style trend in Romania.
The Casino was opened for the first with a luxurious show on August, 15th 1910 in the presence of Prince Ferdinand.
In 1903, the local administration decided it was high time Constanța had a modern casino, similar to those who jazzed up the French Riviera. The task of making the project lay-outs was given to Daniel Renard, a Romanian architect of French origins, who was living in Constanța. He designed an Art Nouveau building, becoming the promotor of this style trend in Romania.
The Casino was opened for the first with a luxurious show on August, 15th 1910 in the presence of Prince Ferdinand.
During the First World War, the Casino in Constanța was used as a hospital
Shortly after the grand opening, the Casino by the seaside become one of the most famous entertainment establishments in Europe. Its interior was luxurious, with beautifully decorated walls, sophisticated chandeliers, expensive carpets and furniture made of refined timber. Access to the exclusive club was only permitted to wealthy and fashionable individuals. The Casino luxury and the gambling charm attracted rich people from all over the world, who came to Romania incognito.
During the First World War, the Casino in Constanța was used as a hospital, but switched back to its initial use in the period between the wars. At the beginning of the 80’s, the Casino “suffered” its last renovation, as new decorations and stained-glass windows were added.
Currently, the Casino building silently watches over the seaside, waiting for the revival of its glory years. It can be visited free of charge, but such a trip requires extra attention because of the degradation level. But even if it bears the marks of time and it has been long forgotten by the local authorities, the interior of the Casino still bears proof of the luxury it boasted at the beginning of the 20th century.
During the First World War, the Casino in Constanța was used as a hospital, but switched back to its initial use in the period between the wars. At the beginning of the 80’s, the Casino “suffered” its last renovation, as new decorations and stained-glass windows were added.
Currently, the Casino building silently watches over the seaside, waiting for the revival of its glory years. It can be visited free of charge, but such a trip requires extra attention because of the degradation level. But even if it bears the marks of time and it has been long forgotten by the local authorities, the interior of the Casino still bears proof of the luxury it boasted at the beginning of the 20th century.
Tomis Port fits in harmoniously in the urban architecture of the city of Constanța, as an extension of the Casino promenade and eases the translation from the beach to the city. Access from the city to the port is extremely easy, both by car and on foot. Close nearby there are a series of landmarks that enhance the attractiveness: Ovid Square with the statue of poet Ovid, The National History and Archaeology Museum, The Roman Edifice with Mosaic with ancient vestiges of the old Tomis, The Aquarium, The Genovese Lighthouse, The Casino.
Tomis Port has a high potential of exploiting nautical tourism, sports and leisure activities, making it a harbor for racing sail ships. Due to the capacity of the Port a wide range of sports activities can be organized here, for example boat races for yachts, which wind off for several days.
The Tomis Port potential and the event organizing skills of the C.N.A.P.M. S.A. Constanța have been tested in July 1999 at the Kayra Yacht Rally – a rally with an itinerary of over 2,000 nautical miles to be completed in 58 days and stops in 30 ports from 6 countries, Tomis Port included. For 6 days, the last one harbored 40 ships, with lengths varying from 9 to 20 meters, representing 14 countries.
Tomis Port has a high potential of exploiting nautical tourism, sports and leisure activities, making it a harbor for racing sail ships. Due to the capacity of the Port a wide range of sports activities can be organized here, for example boat races for yachts, which wind off for several days.
The Tomis Port potential and the event organizing skills of the C.N.A.P.M. S.A. Constanța have been tested in July 1999 at the Kayra Yacht Rally – a rally with an itinerary of over 2,000 nautical miles to be completed in 58 days and stops in 30 ports from 6 countries, Tomis Port included. For 6 days, the last one harbored 40 ships, with lengths varying from 9 to 20 meters, representing 14 countries.
Constanța has the biggest extreme sports activity park in Romania, which has an area of 8,500 m² – it is called Gravity Park.
Beaches in Constanța. Constanța has two beaches cared for by the mayor’s office: Modern Beach is located nearby the peninsula area close to the Tomis Port and 3 Papuci beach is in the north side of city, towards Mamaia resort. They are beaches equipped for entertainment, with outdoor bars, restaurants, lifeguards, and soccer and volleyball courts.