The best museums Constanța

This remarkable museum will allow you to familiarize yourself with the history of the city and its region, from the Paleolithic to the present day. It occupies a building with an architecture of the purest neo-Romanian style, dating from 1921. You will discover exceptional remains, reflecting the archaeological wealth of Dobrogea: terracotta or bone objects, coloured glasses, jewellery, tools, weapons, bronze helmets, Greek and Roman statues... Among the valuable pieces is the Glycon (2nd century A.D.), a serpent deity carved in marble, which has become the emblem of the city. We can also mention the ceramics of the Neolithic civilizations of Hamangia and Gumelnița, notably the moving Thinker of Hamangia and the Seated Woman two terracotta statuettes discovered in the necropolis of Cernavodă.

Next to the museum is a gallery where a Roman mosaic dating from the 4th century AD is kept. Discovered during work in 1959, it is unique in Europe by its size (about 400 square metres preserved, out of the 2,000 of the original surface area). The harmony of its colours - dominated by red, white, green and beige - and the beauty of its plant and geometric patterns have not been altered by time. At the time, the mosaic occupied one of the terraces of a large commercial building, which served as a junction between the city and the port. From the gallery, you will enjoy a magnificent view of the port.

It is divided into four historical sections: ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary. You'll see old amphorae, all kinds of weapons, medals, uniforms, navigational instruments, old maps... Not forgetting the hundred or so ship models from all eras: ancient merchant ships, Ottoman galleys, Moldavian warships, ^20th-century boats and submarines. The park offers a breathtaking view of the harbour.

It consists of two adjoining buildings, one 19th century neoclassical, the other dating from the 1980s. Works by great Romanian masters, mainly from the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th, are exhibited: Nicolae Grigorescu, Theodor Aman, Ioan Andreescu, Ștefan Luchian, Frederic Storck... The museum gives pride of place to paintings of marine inspiration, with many Dobrogean landscapes in particular. It also manages a section dedicated to the sculptor Ion Jalea, a native of the region (strada Arhiepiscopiei, 26).

This museum is housed in the former town hall, a neo-Romanesque building dating from 1896, with a very oriental feel. The interior is in the same vein. Here you'll see a variety of handicrafts from all regions of the country: wooden and glass icons, ceramics, pearl jewelry... The collection of folk costumes and textiles is particularly rich. There's also a craft store. On your way out, take a detour to contemplate the nearby Hunchiar mosque. This Moorish-style mosque dates back to 1868.