Ancient Greek settlement turned Romanian coastal city, home to historic landmarks like the Genoese Lighthouse and Casino Constanta. Rebuilt in Italian Renaissance style after an 1857 earthquake.
Constanța, Romania's oldest continuously inhabited city and largest seaport, sits on the western coast of the Black Sea. This ancient city contains Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture, and modern seaside amenities. You can explore the iconic Constanța Casino, climb the minaret of Carol I Grand Mosque, relax on Mamaia's beaches, or learn about local history at the Museum of National History and Archaeology.
Iconic Landmarks of Constanța
The Constanța Casino, built in 1910, is the city's most recognizable building. This Art Nouveau structure overlooks the Black Sea and, although currently closed for renovation, remains a popular spot for photos. Nearby, the Genoese Lighthouse, constructed between 1858 and 1860, represents the city's maritime past.
For a panoramic view of Constanța, climb the 140 spiral steps of the Carol I Grand Mosque's minaret. This architectural monument, built at the initiative of King Carol I, represents the city's Muslim community and provides a unique perspective on Constanța's diverse religious landscape.
Sun and Sea at Mamaia Resort
Just north of Constanța lies Mamaia, the largest beach resort on the Romanian coast. With 8 kilometers of fine sand beaches and a width of 100 meters, Mamaia is busy during summer months. The resort area has many hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs for both daytime relaxation and evening activities.
Cultural Immersion in Constanța's Museums
To learn more about the region's past, visit the Museum of National History and Archaeology. It houses over 430,000 objects dating from the Paleolithic to modern times. For a taste of local traditions, explore the Folk Art Museum, which displays a collection of regional crafts and costumes.
Seaside Entertainment and Wildlife
At the Constanța Dolphinarium, part of the Natural Sciences Museum Complex, you can watch daily dolphin shows. The complex also includes a Planetarium and an Exotic Birds Exhibition.
Exploring Constanța's Ancient Roots
Constanța's history stretches back over 2,500 years. Founded around 600 BC as a Greek colony called Tomis, the city later came under Roman rule. You can see remnants of this ancient past at the Archaeological Park in the heart of the city. Here, you'll find columns, amphorae, and fragments of 3rd and 4th-century buildings. The Roman Edifice with Mosaic, discovered in 1959, contains well-preserved Roman-era mosaics.
Getting Around Constanța
Constanța's public transport system, run by CT Bus, includes 19 year-round bus lines and two seasonal lines. During the summer, a sightseeing double-decker open-top bus tours the city. Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport connects Constanța to major European destinations.
Constanța's Culinary Scene
As a coastal city, Constanța's cuisine includes plenty of fresh seafood. You'll find many restaurants along the waterfront in Tomis Marina, where you can enjoy local fish dishes while watching the sunset over the Black Sea. Try traditional Romanian dishes as well, such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) or mici (grilled meat rolls).
