Alvarez Jantzen (scentfish89)

Explore the history of the Constanța Casino, a landmark of Romanian architecture. Learn about its Art Nouveau design, past glory, and recent restoration efforts. The Historic Constanta Casino A Belle Époque Jewel on the Black Sea Coast To experience the architectural grandeur of the abandoned gaming establishment on the Faleza promenade, plan your visit for the early morning hours, specifically between 7 AM and 9 AM. This timing allows you to witness the sunrise over the Black Sea, which illuminates the Art Nouveau facade in a dramatic fashion, creating exceptional photographic opportunities without the midday crowds. The structure, located at the end of Queen Elisabeth Boulevard, is best approached on foot from the Genovese Lighthouse to fully appreciate its scale and integration with the seaside environment. Bring a wide-angle lens, as the building's proximity to the sea wall makes capturing its full width challenging with standard equipment. Despite its current state of disrepair, the edifice remains a significant landmark. The interior, though inaccessible to the public for safety reasons, contains faint remnants of its opulent past: maritime-themed motifs, large arched windows designed to offer panoramic sea views to patrons, and a grand staircase. The building's history began with its inauguration in 1910, designed by architect Daniel Renard. It served as a premier social hub for European elites, hosting formal balls and high-stakes games before falling into neglect during the mid-20th century. Restoration efforts have been intermittent, with the most recent project commencing in 2020, aiming to preserve its unique architectural style. When observing the structure from the exterior, pay close attention to the shell-shaped main window, a hallmark of its design. The weathered stonework and intricate carvings, although eroded by salt and wind, still convey the building's former elegance. For a different perspective, walk along the lower breakwater path, which offers a view of the building's foundation and its commanding position over the water. This vantage point underscores its original purpose as a beacon of luxury and entertainment for visitors arriving by sea. Constanta Casino: A Detailed Guide To visit the interior of the edifice, purchase a ticket directly at the entrance. The building is open for public viewing from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission costs approximately 20 RON for adults, with discounts available for students and seniors upon presentation of valid ID. Guided tours, available in English and Romanian, are offered at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, providing access to areas like the main staircase and the theater hall. These tours last around 45 minutes. For the best photographs, arrive just after sunrise. The morning light illuminates the Art Nouveau facade from the east, casting dramatic shadows and highlighting the intricate seashell and marine-themed sculptures. Another optimal time for photography is the "blue hour," the period shortly after sunset, when the structure's exterior lighting creates a stark contrast against the deep blue sky over the Black Sea. Position yourself on the seafront promenade, approximately 50 meters south of the main entrance, for an unobstructed, symmetrical shot. The historical landmark is located at the end of the Queen Elisabeth Boulevard, directly on the city's main promenade. The most direct public transport route is bus line 42, which stops at "Poarta 1," a five-minute walk from the site. Ride-sharing services offer a convenient drop-off point right in front of the esplanade. Limited public parking is available nearby, but it fills up quickly, especially during the summer months from June to August. Consider parking near the Tomis Tourist Port and walking along the waterfront, a scenic 15-minute stroll. While access to the former gambl