The Casino
The Casino is the symbol building of the city and the best-known historical monument in Constanta, although, when built, it was criticized and compared to a hearse.
Its official inauguration, on August 15, 1910, was also attended by Prince Ferdinand, and Queen Elizabeth hosted cultural evening receptions at the Casino in Constanta.
The history of the edifice designed by the architect Daniel Renard in Art Nouveau style is both long and complicated.
From a place where the high society gathered to have a good time, in August 1916, the Casino was turned into a Red Cross campaign hospital, during World War I. The building was hit by shrapnel and, subsequently, the authorities had it restored.
In 1941, the Casino was invaded by the German troops and, in the same year, it was affected by the Russian bombing. Repaired after 10 years, it later had other purposes as well.
The Maritime Station and Carol I Lighthouse, two heritage buildings in Constanta Port
The Maritime Station was built when the traffic of people and the maritime lines from Constanta Port were increasing. It was designed by the architect Gheorghe Bratescu and inaugurated in August 1934, on the occasion of Navy Day, in the presence of King Carol II.
From 1934 until around World War II, there were numerous passenger lines that connected Constanta and different ports of the world.
The building is a historical monument and belongs to the Constanta National Company Maritime Ports Administration.
Carol I Lighthouse is another symbol of Constanta Port. It entered into force in 1913 and took over from the old Genoese Lighthouse.
The lighthouse was mounted in a stone tower with black and white horizontal stripes, with a height of 21.75 metres above sea level and had an orange light with flashes, the electric lamp being provided with 104 bulbs.
During the two world wars, the lighthouse was badly damaged.
Carol I Lighthouse, now a historic monument, turned off its lights in 1961. The royal insignia with which it was decorated was removed during the communist period, but in 1996, when the old building was rehabilitated, replicas of the effigies were installed.
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