Self-guided tour Constanta

Self-guided tour Constanta

Constanța is known as a multicultural city, with a rich history that begins several centuries before Christ. Let's find out together how people lived and left their mark on this land, what ancient communities have found a place here by the sea and how history shaped the face of the city.

How will the tour go? At each step, you can read interesting details about where you are at that moment. On the next page, you will read instructions to find the next clue. Once you have followed those instructions and reached the place of the next clue you have to solve a task. Type in the correct answer in the answer field (with the first capital letter) and press the "Next" button. If the solution is correct, the next page will reveal the story of the place you arrived. If you do not find the correct answer, you can always use the clues below the question or click on the "Show me the answer" button.
 
Starting point: Termele romane street, entrance in the public parking lot
Final point: Constanta Aquarium
Length: approx 4 km
Duration: 3 hours
What you need: Internet and mobile phone
Schedule: This tour can be made every day at the hour you choose
 
Let's go!

Constanța is known as a multicultural city, with a rich history that begins several centuries before Christ. Let's find out together how people lived and left their mark on this land, what ancient communities have found a place here by the sea and how history shaped the face of the city.

How will the tour go? At each step, you can read interesting details about where you are at that moment. On the next page, you will read instructions to find the next clue. Once you have followed those instructions and reached the place of the next clue you have to solve a task. Type in the correct answer in the answer field (with the first capital letter) and press the "Next" button. If the solution is correct, the next page will reveal the story of the place you arrived. If you do not find the correct answer, you can always use the clues below the question or click on the "Show me the answer" button.
 
Starting point: Termele romane street, entrance in the public parking lot
Final point: Constanta Aquarium
Length: approx 4 km
Duration: 3 hours
What you need: Internet and mobile phone
Schedule: This tour can be made every day at the hour you choose
 
Let's go!
Go to the roundabout, passing the 2 glass buildings on your left side. Cross the street and on the other side you will find some steps that go up the hill. At their end, turn right and after a few steps, you will come across a circulated street. Before going out into the street, you will find a lovely house on the left, in neo-Romanian style.
Task
What is the name of the person guarding the entrance? The ...
Clue
Go near the door and read the sign behind the statue on your right. It is called the...
Show me the answer
Archer
Indeed, The Archer is the name of the one who guards the entrance to the beautiful building. The sculpture The Archer was made by Ion Jalea, an important Romanian sculptor born in Casimcea, Constanța County in 1887. After graduating high school in Constanța, he continued his studies in Bucharest and Paris, achieving throughout his life a lot of works of art.
 
During the First World War, he was seriously wounded and lost his left hand, but throughout his life, he continued to sculpt with one hand, the right. Some of his works were donated by the artist to the Art Museum of Constanța. To house them, a wing of the Art Museum was opened in the building that today bears the name "Ion Jalea Museum", in front of which you are.
 
The house belonged to the prefect of Constanța and became a museum in 1968, with the donation of works of art. Today, over 200 sculptures by Ion Jalea can be admired inside. If the museum is open, you can go in to see them.
 
Continuing on the street you came from, the one in front of the museum, you will see on the left an imposing Cathedral: the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Constanța is a mix of cultures, civilizations, and religions that have found their place here over time. St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Dobrogea.
 
It was built according to the plans of the architect Ion Mincu, between 1883 and 1885 after Dobrogea was liberated from Ottoman rule. The relics of Saint Pantelimon have been housed inside it since 1931.
 
Next to the Cathedral is a small archeological site with Roman ruins. Excavations in Constanța have revealed 12 archaeological levels that prove the existence of human settlements here since the sixth century BC.
 
The archeological site next to the Cathedral dates from the 4th - 6th centuries AD and represents a neighborhood from the Roman period (traces of houses and streets with fragments of sewerage can be seen).
Indeed, The Archer is the name of the one who guards the entrance to the beautiful building. The sculpture The Archer was made by Ion Jalea, an important Romanian sculptor born in Casimcea, Constanța County in 1887. After graduating high school in Constanța, he continued his studies in Bucharest and Paris, achieving throughout his life a lot of works of art.
 
During the First World War, he was seriously wounded and lost his left hand, but throughout his life, he continued to sculpt with one hand, the right. Some of his works were donated by the artist to the Art Museum of Constanța. To house them, a wing of the Art Museum was opened in the building that today bears the name "Ion Jalea Museum", in front of which you are.
 
The house belonged to the prefect of Constanța and became a museum in 1968, with the donation of works of art. Today, over 200 sculptures by Ion Jalea can be admired inside. If the museum is open, you can go in to see them.
 
Continuing on the street you came from, the one in front of the museum, you will see on the left an imposing Cathedral: the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Constanța is a mix of cultures, civilizations, and religions that have found their place here over time. St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Dobrogea.
 
It was built according to the plans of the architect Ion Mincu, between 1883 and 1885 after Dobrogea was liberated from Ottoman rule. The relics of Saint Pantelimon have been housed inside it since 1931.
 
Next to the Cathedral is a small archeological site with Roman ruins. Excavations in Constanța have revealed 12 archaeological levels that prove the existence of human settlements here since the sixth century BC.
 
The archeological site next to the Cathedral dates from the 4th - 6th centuries AD and represents a neighborhood from the Roman period (traces of houses and streets with fragments of sewerage can be seen).
Continue on the street between the Ion Jalea Museum and the Cathedral, and at the first intersection, turn left and then right. Stop when you reach the red brick church.

Task

Look on the wall from the yard, how many circles let the light in?

Clue
Walk some steps further to see the whole building.
 
Show me the answer
3
Indeed, you can see 3 circles on the wall of the Roman Catholic church. The Catholic community also found a place in Constanța. The Basilica is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and was built between 1915 and 1937, on the site of another Roman Catholic chapel.
 
The construction is erected in the style of those of northern Italy from the 13th century. On June 13, the Catholics from Constanța celebrate Saint Anthony, a day also known as the lily festival. During World War II, the church was occupied by Russian troops, turning it into an ammunition depot and using its tower to monitor the port area.
Indeed, you can see 3 circles on the wall of the Roman Catholic church. The Catholic community also found a place in Constanța. The Basilica is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and was built between 1915 and 1937, on the site of another Roman Catholic chapel.
 
The construction is erected in the style of those of northern Italy from the 13th century. On June 13, the Catholics from Constanța celebrate Saint Anthony, a day also known as the lily festival. During World War II, the church was occupied by Russian troops, turning it into an ammunition depot and using its tower to monitor the port area.
Continue on the street where you found the church. This street is called Nicolae Titulescu and was once one of the most luxurious in Constanța.
 
Immediately after the church, on the right, you will find Hotel Intim (Hotel d'Angleterre at the beginning), a hotel that has operated in Constanța probably since 1880. It even hosted Eminescu, the most important Romanian poet. He sent letters from here in 1882 to his beloved girlfriend Veronica Micle, documents attesting to the existence of the hotel at that time.
 
The next building, under construction today, was the British cabaret, a “Moulin Rouge” of Constanța, the first variety show in the Balkans.
 
Opposite it, you will see the House with Lions, an impressive building erected in 1898. Its facade is decorated with 4 lions that you can admire from the entrance. As you come from the church, to continue the tour turn right at the first intersection leaving the House with lions behind, and then take the first one on the left. Stop by the gray Mosque on the right. This is the Great Carol I Mosque.

Task

Its facade from the street is like a big gate. How many keys do you need to get through it?

Clue
Look at the wall of the Mosque. Do you see the windows in the shape of a lock? How many are they?
 
Show me the answer
5
You're right, 5 keys seem to open the yale-shaped windows on the facade of the Mosque. Dobrogea (the region of Romania next to the Black Sea, where Constanta is located) was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire and came under Romanian administration after the war of independence (1877).
 
Knowing that there was an important Muslim community here, King Carol I (the first Romanian king) told the members of this community that they would have equal rights with the Romanians and decided to build a Mosque for them. The construction for the new Mosque began in 1910 on the site of the Mahmudie Mosque, and it became the largest Muslim place of worship in Christian Europe.
 
Its inauguration in 1913 was attended by King Carol I accompanied by Queen Elizabeth who wore a Muslim veil on her head. The representative of Sultan Mehmed V then gave a speech: “Everywhere Mosques are demolished, but new holy places for us are being built here in Your Majesty's country. Blessed are the Turks who can live under the aegis of Your Majesty! ” And he called the Mosque "Kral Kamii", "Royal Mosque".
 
If you want to admire the city and the port from above, you can climb the 140 steps of the minaret (the tall tower of the Mosque). On the dome and at the top of the minaret you can distinguish the symbol of the Muslim world: the crescent moon.
You're right, 5 keys seem to open the yale-shaped windows on the facade of the Mosque. Dobrogea (the region of Romania next to the Black Sea, where Constanta is located) was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire and came under Romanian administration after the war of independence (1877).
 
Knowing that there was an important Muslim community here, King Carol I (the first Romanian king) told the members of this community that they would have equal rights with the Romanians and decided to build a Mosque for them. The construction for the new Mosque began in 1910 on the site of the Mahmudie Mosque, and it became the largest Muslim place of worship in Christian Europe.
 
Its inauguration in 1913 was attended by King Carol I accompanied by Queen Elizabeth who wore a Muslim veil on her head. The representative of Sultan Mehmed V then gave a speech: “Everywhere Mosques are demolished, but new holy places for us are being built here in Your Majesty's country. Blessed are the Turks who can live under the aegis of Your Majesty! ” And he called the Mosque "Kral Kamii", "Royal Mosque".
 
If you want to admire the city and the port from above, you can climb the 140 steps of the minaret (the tall tower of the Mosque). On the dome and at the top of the minaret you can distinguish the symbol of the Muslim world: the crescent moon.
Leave the Mosque behind and continue on the street you came from. You will immediately reach the most famous square in the city: Ovidiu Square. As you enter the square, turn left onto the alley bordered by trees on the left side and old exhibits on the right side.

Task

What was the name of the patron of Tomis metropolis,  the one to whom the honorary inscription from the 3rd century is dedicated?

Clue
Read the signs next to the old exhibits on the alley. Towards its end, you will find the one mentioned above.
 
Show me the answer
Aurelius
That's right, Aurelius was the name of the person to whom the inscription from the 3rd century is dedicated. Go to the end of the alley because here you will discover another period in the history of Constanța: the Roman one.
 
The establishment of the Roman order on the coast of Dobrogea and near the Danube took place in the years 29-28 BC, and in the following period, the development of Tomis followed (Tomis was the name of Constanta then). During the archeological excavations in 1959, the Roman mosaic building was discovered.
 
The building served in the IV-VII centuries as a maritime station (with two-story warehouses in the basement) and a club of merchants and shipowners, on the ground floor, in its large mosaic hall. The building was provided with a rainwater drainage system, that is still functional.
 
After its discovery, it is housed for museum purposes (it is located in the building at the end of the alley), being the only large Roman mosaic in this part of Europe. Roman and Etruscans symbols, Greek spirals, Kantharos vessels, and even a dove with an olive branch (symbol of peace) can be distinguished on this mosaic. You can go inside to see it live.
 
The Roman mosaic building continues with a series of buildings that represented a thermal complex, with a specific heating system of its rooms (warm air passing through the floor and double walls). These vestiges can be seen better from the lower road, parallel to the port.
That's right, Aurelius was the name of the person to whom the inscription from the 3rd century is dedicated. Go to the end of the alley because here you will discover another period in the history of Constanța: the Roman one.
 
The establishment of the Roman order on the coast of Dobrogea and near the Danube took place in the years 29-28 BC, and in the following period, the development of Tomis followed (Tomis was the name of Constanta then). During the archeological excavations in 1959, the Roman mosaic building was discovered.
 
The building served in the IV-VII centuries as a maritime station (with two-story warehouses in the basement) and a club of merchants and shipowners, on the ground floor, in its large mosaic hall. The building was provided with a rainwater drainage system, that is still functional.
 
After its discovery, it is housed for museum purposes (it is located in the building at the end of the alley), being the only large Roman mosaic in this part of Europe. Roman and Etruscans symbols, Greek spirals, Kantharos vessels, and even a dove with an olive branch (symbol of peace) can be distinguished on this mosaic. You can go inside to see it live.
 
The Roman mosaic building continues with a series of buildings that represented a thermal complex, with a specific heating system of its rooms (warm air passing through the floor and double walls). These vestiges can be seen better from the lower road, parallel to the port.
Admire the harbor from up here, then turn your back on it and head back to the big square.

Task

Look for the singer of tender loves, the one who gives his name to the square. What city is inscribed on the plaque under his cloak?

Clue
Search the statue of Ovidiu in the square and see the city written on its back. (as it is written there)
Show me the answer
Roma
Indeed, the city of Rome is inscribed on this plaque. Rome was the city where the ancient poet Ovidiu lived and from which he was exiled to the Black Sea (Pontus euxinus) by order of Emperor Augustus, in the years 9-17 AD.
 
The poet mentioned the city of Tomis in his works and even wrote about the legend of the founding of the city, a legend copied by others.
 
Legend has it that the Greek hero named Jason came to the shores of the Black Sea in search of the golden wool. Medeea, the daughter of the king who ruled this land at the time, falls in love with Jason and helps him steal the wool, and leaves with him.
 
Medeea's brother is taken hostage by Jason, and in battle Jason kills him. To stop her father's ship full of warriors, Medeea cuts her brother to pieces and spreads his limbs ashore.
 
From the Greek "tomai" = cut, the place is called Tomis. According to Ovidiu's writing: "This place was then called Tomis because it is said that a sister cut off her brother's limbs."
 
However, history mentions that Tomis was a colony founded here by the ancient Greeks in the 6th century BC and then annexed to the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC.
 
The statue dedicated to Ovidiu, erected in 1887 in the center of the square that bears his name, has on its pedestal the epitaph of the poet, composed by himself:
“ Beneath this stone lies Ovidiu, the singer of tender loves,
deceased by his talent.
Oh, you, who pass by here, if you have ever loved
Pray for him: May his sleep be smooth !"
 
Behind the statue of Ovidiu, you can see the Archaeological Museum of Constanța. As early as 1878, from the first archaeological discoveries attesting the existence of the Tomis fortress on the place of today's Constanța, it was discussed the establishment of an archeology museum to house the found exhibits. They were moved from place to place until 1977 when the former town hall building in Constanța became the current headquarters of the Museum of National History and Archeology in Constanța.
 
Inside you can admire Roman and Greek remains discovered in Tomis, Histria, Callatis, and other exhibits in the history of Dobrogea. You can enter for a visit if time allows.
Indeed, the city of Rome is inscribed on this plaque. Rome was the city where the ancient poet Ovidiu lived and from which he was exiled to the Black Sea (Pontus euxinus) by order of Emperor Augustus, in the years 9-17 AD.
 
The poet mentioned the city of Tomis in his works and even wrote about the legend of the founding of the city, a legend copied by others.
 
Legend has it that the Greek hero named Jason came to the shores of the Black Sea in search of the golden wool. Medeea, the daughter of the king who ruled this land at the time, falls in love with Jason and helps him steal the wool, and leaves with him.
 
Medeea's brother is taken hostage by Jason, and in battle Jason kills him. To stop her father's ship full of warriors, Medeea cuts her brother to pieces and spreads his limbs ashore.
 
From the Greek "tomai" = cut, the place is called Tomis. According to Ovidiu's writing: "This place was then called Tomis because it is said that a sister cut off her brother's limbs."
 
However, history mentions that Tomis was a colony founded here by the ancient Greeks in the 6th century BC and then annexed to the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC.
 
The statue dedicated to Ovidiu, erected in 1887 in the center of the square that bears his name, has on its pedestal the epitaph of the poet, composed by himself:
“ Beneath this stone lies Ovidiu, the singer of tender loves,
deceased by his talent.
Oh, you, who pass by here, if you have ever loved
Pray for him: May his sleep be smooth !"
 
Behind the statue of Ovidiu, you can see the Archaeological Museum of Constanța. As early as 1878, from the first archaeological discoveries attesting the existence of the Tomis fortress on the place of today's Constanța, it was discussed the establishment of an archeology museum to house the found exhibits. They were moved from place to place until 1977 when the former town hall building in Constanța became the current headquarters of the Museum of National History and Archeology in Constanța.
 
Inside you can admire Roman and Greek remains discovered in Tomis, Histria, Callatis, and other exhibits in the history of Dobrogea. You can enter for a visit if time allows.
Exit the square walking between Ovidiu and the Museum, with your back to the Great Mosque, and continue on the narrow street. At the first intersection, turn left and then right immediately. The first building on the right is the Great Synagogue.

Task

How many stars do you pass so you can see inside it?

Clue
Count the stars on the windows of the synagogue.
 
Show me the answer
4
Exactly, 4 stars are represented on the facade of the Great Synagogue, which today is in an advanced state of degradation. Among the populations that have found a home in Constanța over time are the Jews.
 
Their presence in these lands is presumed since the time of the apostle Andrew, who came to Christianize Dobrogea. Some historians believe that without the existence of a Jewish community in the area, the apostle would not have gone to Dobrogea.
 
The Jewish families from Constanța are also counted in the censuses made throughout history, most of them dealing with trade. When Dobrogea came under Romanian administration after the war of independence (1877-1878), there were already 2 synagogues in the city.
 
The Spanish rite one was abandoned and demolished in 1989. The other synagogue, of Ashkenazi cult, in front of which you are now, was built in 1910, in Moorish style. It was the initiative of Pincus Şapira, an important watch and jewelry merchant and supplier of the Royal House of Romania. During World War II it was turned into a weapons depot.
 
Unfortunately, because the number of Jews decreased, this synagogue was also abandoned and will soon follow the fate of the Spanish rite one, if the necessary attention is not paid to its preservation.
Exactly, 4 stars are represented on the facade of the Great Synagogue, which today is in an advanced state of degradation. Among the populations that have found a home in Constanța over time are the Jews.
 
Their presence in these lands is presumed since the time of the apostle Andrew, who came to Christianize Dobrogea. Some historians believe that without the existence of a Jewish community in the area, the apostle would not have gone to Dobrogea.
 
The Jewish families from Constanța are also counted in the censuses made throughout history, most of them dealing with trade. When Dobrogea came under Romanian administration after the war of independence (1877-1878), there were already 2 synagogues in the city.
 
The Spanish rite one was abandoned and demolished in 1989. The other synagogue, of Ashkenazi cult, in front of which you are now, was built in 1910, in Moorish style. It was the initiative of Pincus Şapira, an important watch and jewelry merchant and supplier of the Royal House of Romania. During World War II it was turned into a weapons depot.
 
Unfortunately, because the number of Jews decreased, this synagogue was also abandoned and will soon follow the fate of the Spanish rite one, if the necessary attention is not paid to its preservation.
Continue on the same street and at the first intersection turn right and then immediately left. After a few steps, you will find a building with 2 and 3 floors. In front of it turn right on the street in angle, and at its end, you will meet a pedestrian alley. Go left and at the first T-junction enter the sharp tower courtyard.

Task

Five sunbeams seem to come together to show you the way. What color are they?

Clue
Do you see above the entrance the 5 marble blocks like beams? What color are they?
 
Show me the answer
Pink
Indeed, pink is the color of the 5 marble blocks that decorate the upper part of the entrance. The Hunchiar Mosque, in the courtyard of which you are now, is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Constanţa.
 
The Mosque was completed in the summer of 1869, in Moorish style, by Sultan Abdul Aziz, using pieces of the old Ottoman wall built to defend the fortress, which in turn was built with stone slabs from the Greek and Roman constructions of Tomis.
 
The Mosque was severely damaged by bombing during World War II and rebuilt after 1990. It includes a cube-shaped prayer hall and a 24-meter-high minaret (the tower at the top of which Muslims are called to prayer 5 times a day). To the left of the entrance, on a marble plaque, is inscribed the monogram of the founding sultan.
 
If you want, you can go in to visit it, but follow the rules of conduct: decent dress, silence, and take off your shoes at the entrance.
Indeed, pink is the color of the 5 marble blocks that decorate the upper part of the entrance. The Hunchiar Mosque, in the courtyard of which you are now, is the oldest Muslim place of worship in Constanţa.
 
The Mosque was completed in the summer of 1869, in Moorish style, by Sultan Abdul Aziz, using pieces of the old Ottoman wall built to defend the fortress, which in turn was built with stone slabs from the Greek and Roman constructions of Tomis.
 
The Mosque was severely damaged by bombing during World War II and rebuilt after 1990. It includes a cube-shaped prayer hall and a 24-meter-high minaret (the tower at the top of which Muslims are called to prayer 5 times a day). To the left of the entrance, on a marble plaque, is inscribed the monogram of the founding sultan.
 
If you want, you can go in to visit it, but follow the rules of conduct: decent dress, silence, and take off your shoes at the entrance.
Walk down the pedestrian alley, past the wolf. Cross the boulevard at the mosaic crossing and take it immediately to the left. You will see a white building on the right, Constanța Prefecture. Cross the alley that comes out of its parking lot and then take it immediately to the right after the building, entering the park. Continue on the alley until you reach a circle on the edges of which are exposed pieces of history.

Task

One exhibit in this circle is many years newer than all the others. It is easy to recognize it because it is guarded by fishtail monsters. How many monsters can you count?

Clue
Do you see the fountain in the center? This is the newest exhibit in the circle. How many fish-tail monsters can you count on it? Check out all its details.
 
Show me the answer
8
Exactly, 8 monsters with fishtails guard the fountain in the center of the circle. You arrived here in the Archaeological Park, a park arranged as an open-air museum with remnants of the Roman-Byzantine period, with columns and even a piece of the old Roman wall dating from the 3rd century AD (located towards the exit opposite the alley that you came). If you are passionate about history, you can take a tour of the park and read details about exhibits on the plaques next to it. When you're done, come back here in a circle.
Exactly, 8 monsters with fishtails guard the fountain in the center of the circle. You arrived here in the Archaeological Park, a park arranged as an open-air museum with remnants of the Roman-Byzantine period, with columns and even a piece of the old Roman wall dating from the 3rd century AD (located towards the exit opposite the alley that you came). If you are passionate about history, you can take a tour of the park and read details about exhibits on the plaques next to it. When you're done, come back here in a circle.
From the circle look for the alley on the entrance of which stands a lion. (is the one on the right of the alley you came from). Exit from the park on it, to the parking lot, and immediately turn left and then right, walking past the white building (Contanța County Council). When you reach its corner, get out of the parking lot, pass the sculpture "Arch in time" and you will reach the pedestrian crossing with a mosaic that you crossed to go to the park. Cross back, go down the alley you came from, with the wolf on the right and enter the pedestrian alley. Then turn left immediately after the building is decorated with brick belts.
Go on down the street. First, you will meet cars that come from your left and then that come from your right. Stop at the next intersection, the one from which you can see the sea at the end of the street because the white building with stairs in the corner is the one you came for.
 

Task

On its facade, time stood for a moment in wrought iron. What time is it?

Clue
Above the Church entrance, a year of wrought iron is inscribed. What year is it?
 
Show me the answer
1868
You're right, 1868 is the year marked in wrought iron on the facade of this church. Here you arrived at the Greek church "Methamorphosis" (Transfiguration in Greek), the oldest place of worship in Constanta, built in 1867 (although on the facade is mentioned 1868), just a year before the Hunchiar mosque that you already visited. The church was built in the former Greek slum of the city, following negotiations with the Ottoman rule and with the consent of the then sultan. It has a rectangular, basilica shape, is made of stone, and its stairs are made of marble brought directly from Greece. The church has no towers because at that time it could not exceed the height of the minaret of the Hunchiar mosque, but a bell tower was added in 1947.

Until 1900, it was the only Orthodox church in the city, and at its beginnings, it brought together all the Orthodox believers from Constanta. After the return of Dobrogea to the Romanian State, a "Te Deum" service was held here to mark the event.

You can enter to see the traditional interior of the Orthodox churches.

You're right, 1868 is the year marked in wrought iron on the facade of this church. Here you arrived at the Greek church "Methamorphosis" (Transfiguration in Greek), the oldest place of worship in Constanta, built in 1867 (although on the facade is mentioned 1868), just a year before the Hunchiar mosque that you already visited. The church was built in the former Greek slum of the city, following negotiations with the Ottoman rule and with the consent of the then sultan. It has a rectangular, basilica shape, is made of stone, and its stairs are made of marble brought directly from Greece. The church has no towers because at that time it could not exceed the height of the minaret of the Hunchiar mosque, but a bell tower was added in 1947.

Until 1900, it was the only Orthodox church in the city, and at its beginnings, it brought together all the Orthodox believers from Constanta. After the return of Dobrogea to the Romanian State, a "Te Deum" service was held here to mark the event.

You can enter to see the traditional interior of the Orthodox churches.

Go down the steps of the Greek Church and turn left, with the street you came from on the right and the church behind. Immediately you will find on the left a narrow alley that is lost among the houses. This is the Wind Street. Follow it to the end and immediately turn right, then the second left. At the end, the sea awaits you, but before the balcony from where you can admire the port, you will meet on the right another place of worship: the Armenian Church.

Task

Under the sign of God, you can see those who call the faithful to the sermon. How many are they?

Clue
Look in the church bell tower, under the cross. How many bells can you see there?
 
Show me the answer
3
Indeed, 3 bells are ringing in the bell tower of the Armenian Church to call the faithful to the sermon. This place of worship is dedicated to "Saint Mary". In the second half of the 19th century, an Armenian wooden church and a school for children from the Armenian community that existed at that time in Constanța were built.
 
The community grows, and in 1906 appears in Constanța the first Armenian publication, "Maro" = "Maria". During World War II, the wooden Church of the Armenians burned down and since then services have been held at the nearby school. In 1990, a bell tower was added to the school, and later the whole building was rebuilt as a Church.
 
At present, the services are still held in the classical Armenian language.
 
Visiting the lands of Dobrogea, in 1901, the Swiss anthropologist Eugene Pittard wrote about Constanța: “Various religions in this Babel tower, with their Churches; Orthodox Cathedral, Protestant, Catholic, Armenian, Greek Churches, and Turkish Minarets raise fine silhouettes in the blue sky.”
 
This quote captures exactly the mixture of religions and communities that have settled over time in the ancient city of Tomis.
 
From here you can go to the end of the street to admire the tourist port from above.
Indeed, 3 bells are ringing in the bell tower of the Armenian Church to call the faithful to the sermon. This place of worship is dedicated to "Saint Mary". In the second half of the 19th century, an Armenian wooden church and a school for children from the Armenian community that existed at that time in Constanța were built.
 
The community grows, and in 1906 appears in Constanța the first Armenian publication, "Maro" = "Maria". During World War II, the wooden Church of the Armenians burned down and since then services have been held at the nearby school. In 1990, a bell tower was added to the school, and later the whole building was rebuilt as a Church.
 
At present, the services are still held in the classical Armenian language.
 
Visiting the lands of Dobrogea, in 1901, the Swiss anthropologist Eugene Pittard wrote about Constanța: “Various religions in this Babel tower, with their Churches; Orthodox Cathedral, Protestant, Catholic, Armenian, Greek Churches, and Turkish Minarets raise fine silhouettes in the blue sky.”
 
This quote captures exactly the mixture of religions and communities that have settled over time in the ancient city of Tomis.
 
From here you can go to the end of the street to admire the tourist port from above.
From the Armenian church go back to the first intersection and turn left, going parallel to the sea. When you see Ovidiu Square on the right, you will meet some stairs that go down to the sea. Go down on them, cross the street and take it to the right, through the port, on the waterfront. When the alley you walk turns left following the sea, go straight towards the stabilopozi (concrete structures that stop breaking the waves and protect the shore). Once here, you can turn left if you want to see the ships in the port more closely but come back here. Your tour continues to the right, from where you will enter the seafront. After entering the seafront, stop in the cape (Constanța cape), the one with the Wind Rose on the floor. Sit in the center of the Wind Rose with the sea behind you and you will see in front a statue and an old lighthouse.

Task

Climb the steps to the statue and find out what year signed the sculptor.

Clue
On the statue are marked 2 different years, but only one is signed by the sculptor. What is that?
 
Show me the answer
1933

Indeed, its sculptor signed 1933 on the statue of Eminescu, the Romanian national poet. Erected in the early 1930s by the sculptor Oscar Han by public subscription (the inhabitants donated money for it), Eminescu's bust is oriented towards the sea, thus fulfilling the poet's last wish.

"I have one more longing:

  In the quiet of the evening

  Let me die

  At the edge of the sea. "

Although many believe that the statue in front represents Veronica Micle, his lover, this is actually Calliope, the muse of heroic poems in Greek mythology.

Behind the statue of Eminescu, you will see another symbol of the city: the Genovese Lighthouse. Two other headlights have been in place before. The current lighthouse was built by the engineer Artin Asian, between 1858-1860. In 1860 he turned on his light to guide the Black Sea sailors and turned it off in 1913 when its role was taken over by the Carol I lighthouse in the port. There is no clear connection between the Genovese lighthouse and Genoa, but because the Genovese were among the main traders who carried out their activity in Constanța, it is assumed that they built the first lighthouse here. Thus, the current lighthouse was called Genovese. Only in 2020 was the lighthouse re-lit and since then its light has a decorative role, not influencing ships sailing to port.

Indeed, its sculptor signed 1933 on the statue of Eminescu, the Romanian national poet. Erected in the early 1930s by the sculptor Oscar Han by public subscription (the inhabitants donated money for it), Eminescu's bust is oriented towards the sea, thus fulfilling the poet's last wish.

"I have one more longing:

  In the quiet of the evening

  Let me die

  At the edge of the sea. "

Although many believe that the statue in front represents Veronica Micle, his lover, this is actually Calliope, the muse of heroic poems in Greek mythology.

Behind the statue of Eminescu, you will see another symbol of the city: the Genovese Lighthouse. Two other headlights have been in place before. The current lighthouse was built by the engineer Artin Asian, between 1858-1860. In 1860 he turned on his light to guide the Black Sea sailors and turned it off in 1913 when its role was taken over by the Carol I lighthouse in the port. There is no clear connection between the Genovese lighthouse and Genoa, but because the Genovese were among the main traders who carried out their activity in Constanța, it is assumed that they built the first lighthouse here. Thus, the current lighthouse was called Genovese. Only in 2020 was the lighthouse re-lit and since then its light has a decorative role, not influencing ships sailing to port.

Go further on the seafront and you will meet the jewel of Constanța: the Casino. Right next to it is the aquarium in Constanța.

Task

Solve the riddle: What do you call a horse that swims underwater? How many such creatures do you find at the entrance to the aquarium?

Clue
The sea horse is the correct answer for the riddle. How many sea horses do you see at the entrance to the aquarium?
 
Show me the answer
4
Exactly! 4 seahorses guard the entrance to the Aquarium of Constanța. The Aquarium includes pools with fresh and saltwater fish, as well as other marine life.
 
It was inaugurated in 1958, being the first public aquarium in Romania. It operates in a building erected in the early 20th century as a restaurant for the nearby casino.
 
The casino in Constanța, the symbolic building of the city, was built in 1910 according to the plans of the architect Daniel Renard, on a platform designed by the engineer Anghel Saliny, who also built the port of Constanța. The Casino is built in Art Nouveau style and is decorated with elements inspired by marine life: shells, masts, etc.
 
Before that, there was another building in Constanța called Cazin, next to the Genovese Lighthouse. The casino had 2 gambling halls and a terrace facing the sea, but it was destroyed by a strong storm towards the end of the 19th century.
 
The new casino was then moved further to the sea but destroyed with the construction of the current Casino. During the First World War, the building was transformed into a hospital, and in the Second World War, it housed German troops.
 
For many years the beautiful building had become a ruin, but now it is about to regain its former glory!
Exactly! 4 seahorses guard the entrance to the Aquarium of Constanța. The Aquarium includes pools with fresh and saltwater fish, as well as other marine life.
 
It was inaugurated in 1958, being the first public aquarium in Romania. It operates in a building erected in the early 20th century as a restaurant for the nearby casino.
 
The casino in Constanța, the symbolic building of the city, was built in 1910 according to the plans of the architect Daniel Renard, on a platform designed by the engineer Anghel Saliny, who also built the port of Constanța. The Casino is built in Art Nouveau style and is decorated with elements inspired by marine life: shells, masts, etc.
 
Before that, there was another building in Constanța called Cazin, next to the Genovese Lighthouse. The casino had 2 gambling halls and a terrace facing the sea, but it was destroyed by a strong storm towards the end of the 19th century.
 
The new casino was then moved further to the sea but destroyed with the construction of the current Casino. During the First World War, the building was transformed into a hospital, and in the Second World War, it housed German troops.
 
For many years the beautiful building had become a ruin, but now it is about to regain its former glory!
{"name":"Self-guided tour Constanta", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QI30YWL5F","txt":"Constanța is known as a multicultural city, with a rich history that begins several centuries before Christ. Let's find out together how people lived and left their mark on this land, what ancient communities have found a place here by the sea and how history shaped the face of the city. How will the tour go? At each step, you can read interesting details about where you are at that moment. On the next page, you will read instructions to find the next clue. Once you have followed those instructions and reached the place of the next clue you have to solve a task. Type in the correct answer in the answer field (with the first capital letter) and press the \"Next\" button. If the solution is correct, the next page will reveal the story of the place you arrived. If you do not find the correct answer, you can always use the clues below the question or click on the \"Show me the answer\" button.   Starting point: Termele romane street, entrance in the public parking lot Final point: Constanta Aquarium Length: approx 4 km Duration: 3 hours What you need: Internet and mobile phone Schedule: This tour can be made every day at the hour you choose   Let's go!, Go to the roundabout, passing the 2 glass buildings on your left side. Cross the street and on the other side you will find some steps that go up the hill. At their end, turn right and after a few steps, you will come across a circulated street. Before going out into the street, you will find a lovely house on the left, in neo-Romanian style. Task What is the name of the person guarding the entrance? The ... Clue Go near the door and read the sign behind the statue on your right. It is called the... Show me the answer Archer, Indeed, The Archer is the name of the one who guards the entrance to the beautiful building. The sculpture The Archer was made by Ion Jalea, an important Romanian sculptor born in Casimcea, Constanța County in 1887. After graduating high school in Constanța, he continued his studies in Bucharest and Paris, achieving throughout his life a lot of works of art.   During the First World War, he was seriously wounded and lost his left hand, but throughout his life, he continued to sculpt with one hand, the right. Some of his works were donated by the artist to the Art Museum of Constanța. To house them, a wing of the Art Museum was opened in the building that today bears the name \"Ion Jalea Museum\", in front of which you are.   The house belonged to the prefect of Constanța and became a museum in 1968, with the donation of works of art. Today, over 200 sculptures by Ion Jalea can be admired inside. If the museum is open, you can go in to see them.   Continuing on the street you came from, the one in front of the museum, you will see on the left an imposing Cathedral: the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Constanța is a mix of cultures, civilizations, and religions that have found their place here over time. St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Dobrogea.   It was built according to the plans of the architect Ion Mincu, between 1883 and 1885 after Dobrogea was liberated from Ottoman rule. The relics of Saint Pantelimon have been housed inside it since 1931.   Next to the Cathedral is a small archeological site with Roman ruins. Excavations in Constanța have revealed 12 archaeological levels that prove the existence of human settlements here since the sixth century BC.   The archeological site next to the Cathedral dates from the 4th - 6th centuries AD and represents a neighborhood from the Roman period (traces of houses and streets with fragments of sewerage can be seen).","img":"https://cdn.poll-maker.com/65-2829544/constanta.jpg?sz=1200-00000000001000005300"}
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