Constanta on the Black Sea Coast

Romania is a country at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. The country borders Bulgaria to the south, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Moldava to the east, and the Black Sea to the southeast. The Carpathian Mountains cross Romania from the north to the southwest. Europe's second-largest river, the Danube empties into the country's Danube Delta.

Constanta, historically known as Tomis, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania. It was founded around 600 BC and is the largest port on the Black Sea coast and a popular summer holiday destination.

Constanta Casino stands on the seafront and is an impressive Art Nouveau style building. It has been abandoned for a long time. Around the casino is a pedestrian area, with fantastic views of the sea. You can enjoy a casual stroll here watching the seagulls dance up above. Even though it has not been renovated yet, this building remain among the main attractions in the city.

The Great Mahmudiye Mosque was built in 1910 by King Carol I. It is also referred to as the Carol I Mosque and muslims come here to worship everyday called to prayer from the minaret. The mosque has impressive Byzantine architectural elements. The centerpiece is the large Turkish carpet, a gift from Sultan Abdul Hamid. The minaret is 47 meters high and offers fantastic views of the harbor and the historic town center.

The Old Town had recently been restored and at its center is Ovid's Square. Visitors can see the statue of Publius Ovidius Naso, a Roman poet well-known for his works of classical mythology. His connection to Constanta is that he was exiled to Romania.

The Old Town has many interesting shops, bars, pubs, and restaurants.

The Archaeological Park is a great way to take a look at what has remained of Ancient Tomis. Visitors can walk its alleys and discover the history of the Tomis Fortress. Historical artifacts that reamin are columns and amphorae, capitols and tower fragments. There is part of the Roman wall and two gateways.

The House of Lions is a blend of architectural syels with four columns adorning the lions, It was built in the 19th century and even though abandoned is worth the visit.

Genoese Lighthouse is located near the waterfront and is a historic monument built around the 1300s to honor Genoese merchants. The merchants established a flourishing sea trade in Constanta. At eight meters tall the lighthouse was in use until 1910. On its walls you can see a Genoese ship/Coat of Arms.

The National History and Archaeology Museum is housed in the Old City Hall. The museum offers an impressive collection of ancient art and archaeological finds. Among the highlights are the exhibits dedicated to Dobruja. Visitors can see other displays like the Glykon Snake, the statue of an ancient snake god, statues that depict the protective deities of Ancient Tomis, the Sitting Woman, and the Thinker, terracotta sculptures belonging to the Hamanga Culture.

The Romanian Navy Museum offers and interesting look into both the military and civil navy life. The museum has a collection of ships and anchors and an impressive display of knots, lighthouse bulbs, and navy uniforms. Children enjoy a mock-up submarine. You can arrange for a tour of the museum.

The Natural Sciences Museum Complex includes the Dolphinarium, Planetarium and an Exotic Birds Exhibitions and a Micro Delta.

The Dolphinarium is a popular attraction with dolphin, sea lion, and penguin shows.

The Planetarium with the Astronomical Observatory, offers a look into the world of stars and galaxies.

Constanta Aquarium opened in 1958 on the waterfront and is home to more than 100 species of fish and other sea creatures. The exhibits are dedicated to marine wildlife, freshwater species, and exotic fish. In the freshwater section, you can see many of the fish species found in the Danube Delta, including carp, pike and perch. Among the exotic fish the aquarium hosts, there are piranhas, spade fish, and knife fish.

If you are visiting Constanta in the summer than the beaches beckon, There are two beaches in the city and they are great for sunbathing and swimming.