Popular Cities Constanta
If you have already traveled to Bucharest, the capital of Romania, and are wondering what else Romania has to offer, then you should definitely pay a visit to the fascinating city of Constanta! This beautiful city is located on the Romanian Black Sea coast and is considered the second most important city in the country. It impresses with its endless sandy beach and numerous winding alleys. Constanta is also one of the oldest cities in the country. Today, this unique city combines remnants of a long-gone era with modernity. Let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere in Constanta and immerse yourself in its fascinating history.
History of the city
Constanta is known as one of the most popular port cities in Romania and has existed since the 7th century BC. However, this beautiful city was not founded by the Romanians, but by the Greeks. They laid the foundation for present-day Constanta and turned it into a famous trading city right on the Black Sea. But the city changed over the centuries. After the Greeks came the Romans, who changed the cityscape and shaped the style of the buildings. The Bulgarians also influenced Constanta and, in the meantime, conquered the city. Ultimately, however, it must be emphasized that the city belongs to Romania, and it has to this day.
Although Constanta had already fulfilled its role as a trading city for some time, it became increasingly well known, especially in the 1930s. To this day, the seaside city is therefore known as the hub of trade and seduces its visitors with countless shopping options, department stores, and its endless sandy beach.
The city's history still adorns the city in full splendor today, so not only old walls but also representatives of the new era fit into the beautiful cityscape. In Constanta, remnants of another time meet modern buildings, which definitely catch the eye and delight visitors. But it's not just the buildings that are diverse - the city's residents are at least as diverse. That's why Constanta is now also described as a multicultural city.
Sights of the city
Would you like to discover Constanta and follow the traces of its ancient history? Then you should definitely visit the following sights of the city.
History from antiquity to modernity: Museum of History and Archaeology
Symbol of cultures & religions: Carol I Mosque
Orthodox house of worship with tradition: Catedrala Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel
Sandy beach & seaside resort: The Black Sea beaches (city beach & Mamaia)
Historic Art Nouveau monument: Casino Constanta
Family highlight: Insider tip: Aqua Magic
Museum of History and Archaeology
The History Museum houses an incredible number of more than 430,000 exhibits and is therefore considered the second largest museum of its kind (after the National Museum in Bucharest) in Romania. The exhibits date back to the Paleolithic era (Old Stone Age) and extend all the way to modern times. However, the museum does not only deal with Romanian history, but also displays exhibits of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and medieval origin. The museum's large coin collection, where you can find silver, gold, and bronze coins, is equally worth seeing.
Carol I Mosque
The impressive Carol I Mosque in Constanta is considered a symbol of faith and was completed in 1912 by order of King Carol I. The mosque in Konya (in Turkey) served as inspiration for the construction of this mosque. The Carol I Mosque is also known in Romania as Marea Moschee din Constanța and is a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of different cultures and religions. Particularly attractive is the main portal made of Dobrogea stone as well as the black marble door with bronze inlays that welcome visitors to the mosque.
Catedrala Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel
This Orthodox house of worship has enriched the city since the late 19th century and has been a refuge for Orthodox believers since its construction. Particularly impressive are the magnificent chandeliers inside the cathedral, the icon of Mary, and the historical documents in Romanian.
The Black Sea beaches
You shouldn't miss the beautiful beaches on the Black Sea. The city beach in Constanta as well as the seaside resort of Mamaia are very well known. The seaside resort of Mamaia in particular is very popular and is located seven kilometers from the city center. Interestingly, Mamaia is one of the oldest Romanian seaside resorts.
Casino Constanta
Do you want to explore the nightlife a bit? Then you should pay a visit to Casino Constanta. This casino is not a classic casino, but a historic gambling casino designed in Art Nouveau style right in the middle of the port city. That's why it is also referred to as a historic monument.
Insider tip: Aqua Magic
Aqua Magic is probably the coolest and most adventurous place for families. Aqua Magic is also considered a bit of an insider tip, as it is the largest water park in Romania. Slide down the countless water slides with a big smile and swim your laps in the pool. Of course, one thing must not be missing! The typical pool fries, which you can also enjoy here.
Nearby attractions
But it's not just Constanta that has a lot to offer - the surrounding area (both near and far) does too. If you want to visit the city, you should definitely include Romania's nature in your plans. The Danube Delta and the Dobrogea Gorge are particularly worth seeing, both of which boast unique nature. Visiting these two reserves is especially worthwhile for nature lovers.
UNESCO natural paradise with biodiversity: Danube Delta (Delta Dunării)
Limestone walls & fossils: Cheile Dobrogei Nature Reserve (Dobrogea Gorge)
Danube Delta (Delta Dunării)
The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and is home to over 1,830 plant species, 2,440 insect species, 90 mollusk species, 11 reptile species, 10 amphibian species, 320 bird species, and approximately 50 mammal species. Observe the diversity in the Danube Delta and admire the unique nature that is under protection. But there are residents not just on land! Approximately 130 different fish species live in the waters of the Danube Delta, which serve, among other things, as an important source of food for the birds.
The Danube is the second longest river in Europe and originates in Germany. On its way to Romania, the Danube crosses many countries and flows into the Black Sea. The Danube Delta itself is located in the southeast of Romania and borders the Dobruja Highlands to the southwest, Ukraine to the north, and the Black Sea to the east.
Cheile Dobrogei Nature Reserve (Dobrogea Gorge)
The Dobrogea Gorge Nature Reserve (Cheile Dobrogei) is under nature protection and covers an area of 285 hectares. The Dobrogea Gorge is known for its limestone walls and the unique fossil species discovered within them. Nature enthusiasts in particular should visit this nature reserve and discover the diverse flora and fauna. In addition to the limestone walls and the interesting fauna, the nature reserve also has many green spaces that you can use for a short break, including a picnic.
Best time to travel
Every season has its charm, but the spring and summer months are particularly well suited for a little discovery tour of the city and surrounding area, depending on your interest in activities. You should take advantage of summer (June - September) if you would like to take a beach holiday in Constanta and don't mind the sometimes higher temperatures (up to 35°C) in Romania. If you'd like to have less tourist hustle and bustle around you, then you should avoid the high season (July and August) and travel in June or September. If you don't see the city as a beach holiday destination, but simply want to discover its history and culture, then the spring months are perfect! However, you should avoid the winter months, as it can get very cold in Romania and you will have the least daylight for exploration tours at this time of year.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
We wish you a pleasant trip to Romania and are happy to assist you with any further questions about Romania and the associated toll regulations. Contact us via our email.
