Constanța is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania. It was founded around 600 BC. The city is located in the Northern Dobruja region of Romania, on the Black Sea coast. It is the capital of Constanța County and the largest city in the historical region of Dobruja.
As of the 2011 census, Constanța has a population of 283,872, making it the fifth most populous city in Romania. The Constanța metropolitan area includes 14 localities within 30 km (19 mi) of the city, and with a total population of 425,916 inhabitants, it is one of the largest metropolitan areas in Romania.
It is the largest port on the Black Sea, and one of the largest ports in Europe.
Tourism
Main sights
Ovid’s Square
Designed by the sculptor Ettore Ferrari in 1887, the statue dedicated to the Roman poet, Publius Ovidius Naso, gives name to this square. There is an identical replica of the statue in Sulmona, Ovid’s hometown in Italy. Emperor Augustus exiled Ovid to Tomis in 8 AD. In 1916, during the occupation of Dobruja by the Central Powers, the statue was taken down by Bulgarian troops, but it was later restored by the Germans.
The Roman Mosaics (Edificiul Roman cu Mozaic)
A vast complex on three levels once linked the upper town to the harbor. Today, only about a third of the original edifice remains, including more than 9,150 sq ft (850 m2) of colorful mosaics. Built toward the end of the 4th century AD and developed over the centuries, it was the city’s commercial center until the 7th century. Archaeological vestiges point to the existence of workshops, warehouses and shops in the area. Remains of the Roman public baths can still be seen nearby. Aqueducts brought water 6 miles (10 km) to the town.
The Genoese Lighthouse (Farul Genovez)
Soaring 26 feet (7.9 m), the Genoese Lighthouse was built in 1860 by the Danubius and Black Sea Company to honor Genoese merchants who established a flourishing sea trade community here in the 13th century.
The Casino (Cazinoul)
Designed by architects Daniel Renard and Petre Antonescu and completed between the two World Wars, the art-nouveau style Constanța Casino features sumptuous architecture and a wonderful view of the sea. The pedestrian area around the Casino is a sought-after destination for couples and families, especially at sunset. The Constanța Aquarium is nearby.
The House with Lions (Casa cu Lei)
Blending pre-Romantic and Genovese architectural styles, this late 19th century building features four columns adorned with imposing sculptured lions. During the 1930s, its elegant salons hosted the Constanța Masonic Lodge.
The Archeology Park (Parcul Arheologic)
Situated in the heart of Constanța City, the park is the place that emanates the perfume of the history of Tomis Fortress. Here there are exposed dozens of vestiges: columns, amphorae, capitols, fragments of 3rd and 4th-century buildings and a 6th-century tower.
National Opera and Ballet Theater Oleg Danovski
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
Constructed in Greco-Roman style between 1883 and 1885, the church was severely damaged during World War II and was restored in 1951. The interior murals display a neo-Byzantine style combined with Romanian elements best observed in the iconostasis and pews, chandeliers and candlesticks (bronze and brass alloy), all designed by Ion Mincu and completed in Paris.
Grand Mosque of Constanța (Marea Moschee din Constanța)
Built in 1910 by King Carol I, the Grand Mosque of Constanța (originally the Carol I Mosque) is the seat of the Mufti, the spiritual leader of the 55,000 Muslims (Turks and Tatars by origin) who live along the coast of the Dobrogea region. The building combines Byzantine and Romanian architectural elements, making it one of the most distinctive mosques in the area. The centerpiece of the interior is a large Turkish carpet, a gift from Sultan Abdul Hamid. Woven at the Hereke Handicraft Center in Turkey, it is one of the largest carpets in Europe, weighing 1,080 pounds. The main attraction of the mosque is the 164 ft (50 m) minaret (tower) which offers a stunning view of the old downtown and harbor. Five times a day, the muezzin climbs 140 steps to the top of the minaret to call the faithful to prayer.
Hünkar Mosque (Geamia Hunchiar)
The Hünkar Mosque, completed in 1869, was built by Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz for Turks who were forced to leave Crimea after the Crimean War (1853–56) and settled in Constanța. The mosque has a 24m high minaret and was subject to a restoration in 1945 and 1992.
The Fantasio Theatre (Teatrul Fantasio)
Built in 1927 by Demostene Tranulis, a local philanthropist of Greek origin, this theatre used to be called “Tranulis” before 1947, after the name of its benefactor. It’s a fine building featuring elements of neoclassical architecture, located in the heart of the city, on Ferdinand Boulevard.
Romanian Navy Museum (Muzeul marinei române)
The museum is the largest institution of this kind in Romania and it hosts precious evidence concerning the development of the country’s military and civil navy. The idea of founding the museum was outlined for the first time in 1919, but it was materialized only in the late 1960s at the initiative of Nicolae Ceaușescu, when the Romanian Navy Museum was officially opened on 3 August 1969. Museum collections capture models of ships, knots, anchors, navy uniforms. It has also a special collection dedicated to important figures who made history in the Romanian navy. Prices for a single ticket range from 5 RON to 10 RON.
The Natural Sciences Museum Complex (Complexul Muzeal de Științe ale Naturii)
It is considered an important reference point for the cultural and scientific image of Constanța, with a high emblematic value in the summer offer of the Romanian seacoast. It consists of Dolphinarium, Planetarium, Exotic Birds Exhibition, and Micro Delta.
