Constanța is regaining its former glory, slowly but surely. The city is coming to life not only for the upcoming summer season but beyond, with its cobblestone streets in the historic center, centuries-old buildings—some with newly renovated facades (though not all, there’s still room for improvement), chic restaurants and cafés, and a waterfront promenade that’s increasingly well-maintained.
After years of neglect, stagnation, and several more of intense restoration efforts, the Casino’s rehabilitation is finally complete. The building, a historic monument in the Art Nouveau style, will officially reopen to the public on May 21, coinciding with Constanța Day. The restoration cost over 200 million lei.
The Casino was restored by Aedificia Carpați, a company founded in 1992 after the reorganization of the Carpați Trust, a firm renowned for restoring national architectural monuments such as Cotroceni Palace, the Palace of Parliament, Sala Palatului, Foișor Palace and the Sinaia Casino, Olănești Palace, and Snagov Palace.
“The Communal Casino, perhaps Romania’s most beautiful Art Nouveau story, is ready to welcome guests again. Its restoration was more than just hard work—it was an act of love. Hundreds of people came together: construction veterans, meticulous artisans, architects who brought their university dreams to life, painters, sculptors, and restorers who understood that beauty lies in the details. Brick by brick, gold leaf by gold leaf, chandelier by chandelier, we revived the pride of a city, the joy of a community, the honor of a nation. We preserved everything old, good, and valuable. We kept Saligny’s legacy intact, hidden beautifully in the basement, and brought back to life the elegant atmosphere of our grandparents’ stories, with their glamorous soirées. Yes, the restoration was more than just a project—it was our emotional test, and your gaze is the final grade. The woodworkers, painters, restorers, architects, and engineers have given Constanța something that seemed lost forever: the soul of a place. Get your phones ready! This is the most Instagrammable spot in Constanța—even off-season,” says Aedificia Carpați.
The Casino will no longer serve its original purpose as a gambling house. Instead, it will host cultural events, exhibitions, performances, and even a café, with a visiting fee to be established.
Constanța’s mayor, Vergil Chițac, added:
“Upstairs, there will be concerts, theater plays, international congresses, and large-scale, high-quality events. In the basement, we’ll have an immersive, multimedia museum—modern and interactive. By May 21, we need to acquire projectors, museum furniture, and a stage curtain.”
The Constanța Casino was built based on the plans of French architect Daniel Renard and is considered a symbol of the Art Nouveau architectural movement. Its facade features a large central terrace supported by a portico, dominated by a fan-shaped stained-glass window.
Another unique feature is the metal beams in the basement, built using the Saligny system—a technical innovation of the early 20th century. These beams were cleaned, treated against corrosion, and restored while preserving the building’s original structure.
Also notable is the large decorative seashell in the multifunctional hall, which had been walled in during previous renovations. This element has now been fully restored, both structurally and decoratively, enhancing the room’s aesthetics and acoustics. These findings and interventions highlight both the skill of past builders and today’s commitment to preserving the Casino’s authenticity, while incorporating modern reinforcement solutions.
The Story of the Casino
The Constanța Casino’s history is impressive. Built between 1904 and 1910 at the request of King Carol I, the original structure was made of wood and destroyed by a storm in 1891. The current Art Nouveau building, designed by architect Daniel Renard, was inaugurated in 1910 and operated for 38 years.
On August 20, 1916, during WWI, it was converted into a Red Cross field hospital. In November 1917, it resumed its original function.
During WWII, it was occupied by German troops and suffered heavy damage. Under the communist regime, it was restored and transformed into a cultural center, using forced labor from prisoners at Poarta Albă penitentiary. During the current renovation, notes were found hidden in the walls by those inmates, revealing names and prison sentences.
After the fall of communism, the Casino was abandoned until 2020, when restoration funding was finally secured.
Other Top Things to See and Do in Constanța
Although the Casino is Constanța’s crown jewel, it’s far from the city’s only attraction.
Ovidiu Square is one of the most popular spots to visit. Located in the pedestrian-friendly old town near Tomis Marina, it hosts a statue of the Roman poet Publius Ovidius Naso, exiled to Tomis in 8 AD by Emperor Augustus.
There, you’ll also find the National Museum of History and Archaeology, with a vast collection of ancient artifacts including coins, jewelry, ceramics, documents, sculptures, and archaeological relics. Its most unique exhibit is the Glykon Serpent Statue, one of a kind in the world.
Constanța, once part of the Ottoman Empire and home to a large Turkish-Tatar community, is also known for the Great Mosque (Carol I Mosque), built by King Carol I in the early 20th century for the local Muslim population. Its 47-meter-high minaret offers panoramic views over the city and harbor—after climbing 140 steps, of course.
And since this is a seaside town, Constanța’s Aquarium and Dolphinarium are also worth a visit. While they may not compare to larger counterparts in Europe or beyond, they’re popular family attractions. The Dolphinarium currently houses six dolphins—two native and four temporarily relocated from Ukraine.
Another hidden gem is Stradela Vântului/Wind Lane, the narrowest street in Constanța and the second narrowest in Romania (after Brașov’s Rope Street).
Just two meters wide, it’s tucked between historic houses in the old town near Ovidiu Square and Tomis Marina, giving it a charming medieval vibe.
For accommodation, we highly recommend something more stylish and convenient than traditional hotels: Rezident Marina Tomis apartments.
Perfectly located just 250 meters from the center (near Ovidiu Square and Modern Beach) and with stunning views over the marina (and with a free daily seagull chatter included), Rezident Marina Tomis building stays perched on the picturesque, quiet Marcus Aurelius Street, no. 4, right on the waterfront.
It offers spacious rooms with a clean, modern, minimalist design—ideal for a memorable stay in Constanța.
As for dining, you can safely include Buddha Bar Lebanese Cuisine on your to-do gastronomic list, a venue with a posh, colorful interior design, dubbed by luscious Lebanese dishes and exotic cocktails.