Constanţa

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Introduction

Constanţa (/kon'stan.ʦa/) is Romania's main port on the Black Sea. It has been a significant administrative and commercial centre for thousands of years. It features in Greek mythology, the Roman poet, Ovid, was exiled here, and the current name comes from the Roman Emperor, Constantine's sister. Part of the Ottoman Empire, the city also contains two mosques. Evidence of this history is scattered throughout the old town which, with its crumbling facades, seaside promenade and cafes, has a Mediterranean feel to it. Nearby resort centres, including Mamaia (a short bus ride North) provide a livelier, more commercialised centre along large, sandy beaches.

Sights and Activities

The old town is small and easily seen in a day. Most sites are centred around the central square, Piata Ovidu. This contains the History Museum (entrance 10 Lei), with excellent exhibits and artefacts tracing the town's history. The Roman Mosaic next door is a large, ornate, preserved mosaic floor of a villa (discovered in 1959). Walk south to the remains of two Roman villas and a section of street. Further South from there takes you to the seaside promenade and the ornate French Casino building (now closed and in need of rennovation). A couple of small, sandy beaches extend North of the end of the promenade.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Mediterranean in summer; drier and slightly milder than the rest of the country in winter.

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

The train station is about 1.5 km west of the old centre.

By Car

By Bus

Buses from Bucharest and most of the cities in Romania arrive at the bus station, located next to the train station, about 1.5 km west of the old town.

By Boat

The ferry terminal is located next to a huge scrap metal dump about 2.5 km south of the old town. There are ferry services from Varna, Bulgaria and Odessa, Ukraine.

Getting Around

By Car

By Public Transport

Buses link the old town with the train station and also go to surrounding resorts. Buy a ticket at a kiosk before you get on.

Taxis are plentiful and clearly marked - make sure they turn on their meters.

By Foot

The old town can easily be walked around by foot.

By Bike

Eat

Cafes and restaurants cluster around the main square and along B-Dul Tomis leading North from it. Most are Italian Pizza parlours and fast food places.

Drink

Sleep

Around Constanta is the main beach resort for all Romania. Most travellers head for Mamaia and other areas slightly north and south of Constanta itself. These areas have a larger number of hotels. Old Constanta has a limited supply and most are relatively expensive for what you get.

Budget

• Old women at the train station will offer 'Cazare' - accommodation - in their houses. These may be some way from the centre.
• Hotel Tineretului (0241 613590) is the cheapest place in the centre, about 100 metres north of the main square. It is a dirty flea-pit but some rooms have sea-view.

Mid-Range

Upscale

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