The Story of Casino Constanta from the Beginning to the Present

The Casino Constanta is one of the most iconic buildings in Romania. If you have not had a chance to go there, in this blog post, you will find details about its 150 years of history and gambling games. Read on to learn the story of the casino in Constanta, Romania, since it was built to the present day.

The Constanta Casino’s story is eventful and has twists and turns every step of the way. This article will take you on a stroll through time, and we’ll start with the construction of the first entertainment pavilion in 1880. We will end the story with information about the latest repairs and when we can expect them to be completed. Don’t miss to read the FAQ section at the end.

Where is Casino Constanța?

The story of Constanta Casino in Romania starts about 150 years ago on the Black Sea shore. Ever since the beginning, the gambling location was a gathering point for nobles, artists, and other wealthy people. As you may wonder what the reason for all this attention towards a gaming location was, we have some more details that might interest you.

For most of the Casino Constanta’s history, the gambling and entertainment location was opened and served as a great example of a wonderful place for fun. The rest of the time, the building was under repair because of the damage caused by humans and nature. Despite the setbacks, it is still one of the most beautiful and famous buildings in Constanța, Romania.

Since the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage turned the building into a historical monument, you will not be able to play casino games in the future. You can visit the historical site by the Black Sea, but anyone inspired to gamble should try the best online casino for Romanian players.

History of the Construction of the Casino in Constanta

Romania is not one of the most popular gambling destinations, but it is known for stunning architectural masterpieces and historical structures. There are also elegant and sophisticated buildings like Casino Constanta and other architectural masterpieces all over Romania.

Cazin Kursaal (1880-1892) – A Wooden Retreat by the Black Sea

The dreadful Russo-Turkish War (1877-1878) and the Romanian War of Independence lead to the construction of many new buildings. One of the most iconic ones became Cazin Kursaal (1880 – 1891) or “spa hall” in German, also known as Constanța Casino’s first version.

The casino’s location near the Constanța sea port was an aesthetic and practical solution. The slope on top of the building is surrounded by water and provides a lovely view towards the Black Sea shoreline, the Genoese Lighthouse, the harbour, and the nearby buildings.

The lovely building merely covered its maintenance, so the Romanian Council leased it to wealthy entrepreneurs. The first need for repairs occurred in 1891 when a storm almost destroyed Cazinoul din Constanța. According to the authorities in Romania, Constanta Casino was dangerous, and on 29 January 1892, an order for the complete demolition of the structure was issued.

A Party Pavilion with Fine Dining

Cazino Constanța is one of the many casinos named after locations and has one of the easy-to-remember top casino names. The new Casino Constanta opened in 1893 as an entertainment and party pavilion. The visitors could dance in the new dance hall, take a walk on the terrace by the sea, or have an enjoyable conversation in the other rooms.

In May 1902, the Constanța Casino, Romania, became popular with its fine dining and exquisite deserts created by a master chef. This change was brought by Captain Constantin Creangă, who rented the casino from the mayor and the town hall.

Casino Constanta in Art Nouveau Style

In 1903, Romania’s king Karl I initiated the transformation of the party pavilion into a real casino in Constanta. This was the year when Daniel Renard’s Art Nouveau architectural style project led by the construction engineer M. Frangulea won the sympathies of the authorities.

Because of political changes in the country, Daniel Renard was replaced by another talented architect Petre Antonescu. This also changed the construction of the building to a Neo-Romanian theatre with two towers. New political changes returned Renard to the project, and he continued to build his vision.

On 15 August 1910, King Carol I, Prince Ferdinand, ministers, nobles, the elite, and their guests entered Cazino Constanța and remained stunned. The construction cost 1,300,000 million lei, out of which 90,000 lei was spent on furniture. This was also one of the first buildings with electricity, gas, and options for more modern inventions.

Despite some negative comments about the architectural design, more people loved it, leading to a replica of the giant clam shell window from the theatre being built in Monte Carlo. In 1912, Baron Edgar de Marcay made more improvements by building a pavilion-restaurant and the Palace Hotel. Constanta Casino became a world-renowned casino hotel establishment.

Casino Constanța History During World War I & World War II

Casino Constanta, Romania, continued to exist despite the many political changes, World War I, World War II, and natural disasters. In 1914, the Russian Imperial Family visited Constanţa and the famous casino. They were the last visitors who enjoyed the luxurious entertainment.

After the beginning of World War I, Casino Constanța continued to entertain the people. After the building was hit during the bombardment, it was transformed into a hospital. After the war, the Casino Constanta renovation of 1937 was performed by Daniel Renard himself. During World War II, the casino was a home and entertainment location for German troops, but during the bombardment in June 1941, it was almost destroyed.

Casino Constanta Under the Communist Regime

The Romanian People’s Republic (Republica Populară Romînă) was established in 1947 and lasted until 1965. The change in government once again brought changes in entertainment and banned gambling. Over 100 political prisoners repaired everything outside and inside the Constanta Casino and, according to the requirements of Soviet-style public and cultural places, called it House of Culture of the Trade Unions.

In July 1952, the three colonels of the Securitate were responsible for supervising the prisoners and the project. The new Socialist Republic of Romania brought another change, and in 1956, the casino in Constanta, Romania, became a national heritage because the government repossessed it. It belonged to ONT Litoral until the fall of the communist era in 1989.

Is there a Future for Constanta Casino?

The historical building’s perils continue. In the last part of this blog post, you will find the latest plans for this Romanian national heritage. In the end, you will even be able to see if the casino has any chance of surviving for future generations.

Constanta Casino After the Revolution of 1989

After the last renovation of Constanta Casino, Romania, completed in 1988, the gambling room entertained guests. The Revolution of 1989 brought down governments and shifted people’s attention. The casino was closed to the public in 1990 and left to be destroyed by nature, time, and vandals.

Constanța Casino, Romania in the New Millennium

After all those tribulations, you may think the magnificent building will be left to the mercy of the Black Sea waves and fall into dust. The new millennium gave the casino in Constanta a new chance. After the 2006 failed attempt for renovation and failed lease, the authorities abandoned the project again.

January 2018 was the month when Cazino Constanta entered Europa Nostra’s list of “The 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe”. Money started flowing, and the restoration project started again:

Constanța Casino Today

This blog post was written in December 2022, and at this moment, the restoration of Cazino Constanța is ongoing. If you are curious about how far the renovation has progressed, check the live webcam on Casino Constanta’s website. The project is expected to be completed by 2024 when all details on the interior and exterior will be finished.

Casino Constanta FAQ

The entire history of Casino Constanta is amazing and worth knowing. We presented the main events in this blog post, and now is time to answer a few frequently asked questions. Check them out below and if you need more information, follow the links.