VISIT TO THE OLD TOWN OF CONSTANTA, ROMANIA

LOCATION

Constanta is a beautiful city, located on the Romanian Black Sea coast. It is the 5th city in Romania in terms of size and population. It's my favourite Romanian destination. This post will cover only a small piece of its beauty, the Old Town.

THE OLD PORT

Constanta was founded around 600 BC and it was previously known under the name of Tomis. The Old Port area of the city is called Tomis Port.

It's an area favoured by tourists because of its beauty, its proximity to the sea and the large numbers of restaurants offering a great variety of dishes.

THE CASINO

The majestic building in the photo above used to be a Casino. Despite the fact it is part of the national patrimony, unfortunately it was left to decay by the local authorities. King Carol I ordered its construction which lasted between 1904 and 1910. The Casino used to be one of the country's jewels. I guessed no one cared about its fascinating history.

THE BLACK SEA

The Black Sea changed the colour of its water. It's no longer dark as it used to be. Nowadays it varies between blue and green. Recent studies done by scientists showed that the new turquoise shade is due to a high population of phytoplankton which are covered in white calcium carbonate plates.

THE BOARDWALK

The Boardwalk of Constanta is a great place to have a walk and enjoy the sea breeze no matter the season. The smell of the sea will stay embedded in your mind at least for a while.

Note that during summer, towards the evening until late in the night, this area tends to get crowded. If you are lucky, you may even see some brides having a photo session here.

MUSIC FESTIVALS

Constanta hosts two big music festivals during summer: Forza Zu and Never Sea, which bring thousands of tourists to the city. During the month of July is practically impossible to find accommodation in the city or in the nearby resort called Mamaia.

THE BEACH

Both of the festivals are held on the beach, due to the large number of spectators that attend these musical events.

OVID SQUARE

Ovid Square (Piata Ovidiu) has been renovated recently and restored to its former glory. During summer it hosts the Nomad film festival, the celebrations for the Romanian blouse day, traditional dances performed by the minorities in the region and a parade.

Ovid Square was named after the famous Roman poet Ovid (Ovidiu) who was exiled here. Sadly he did not make it into my photos. Maybe during my next visit I will take some shots of Ovid.

THE MUSEUM OF ARCHEOLOGY

The Museum of Archeology is the richest in the country. Here you can admire some collections of pre-historical, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Medieval archaeology.

THE MOSQUE -MINARET

The mosque of Constanta, the Minaret looms in the shadows of two other bigger buildings. Though its tower can be seen while you are strolling in the old town. Minaret is the biggest mosque in the country.

When there are no prayers, the mosque opens its doors to visitors. Climbing up its tower offers a great view of the old town and the commercial harbour.