I Traveled To Romania To Photograph This Stunning Abandoned Casino

This was once the most glorious building of Romania but since 1990 it’s been abandoned and slowly but surely falling into disrepair. The building is listed as a historic monument by the Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs of Romania.

Usually I do not share location specific details about the places I visit. This landmark is such a well known historical place that I feel safe to do so. Next to that it is also guarded 24/7. Entering without legal permission is impossible.

The casino is built in Constanța (formerly known as Tomis), Romania. It is located at the coast of the Black Sea and is the largest city of the region. The city itself has nearly 300.000 citizens and attracts a lot of tourists in summer because of the large beaches and the fact that it’s one of the warmest cities in the country. The casino used to be the eye catcher (of the port) of the city, which is the largest port of the Black Sea coast and also one of the largest ports of Europe. The pedestrian area around the casino is a popular destination for couples and families because of it’s romantic and friendly atmosphere. A similar building has been constructed in Monte Carlo, Monaco, because of competition.

The iconic building survived two World Wars. During the 1914 visit of the Russian Imperial Family, the casino was host to a royal gala. Despite diplomatic negotiations, Grand Duchess Olga refused the proposed marriage to Prince Carol of Romania and the Russians sailed away. Olga was later killed by the Russians along with the rest of her family. During the second World War the building was used as a hospital. Under the post-war communist regime it even operated as a restaurant. Maintaining the structure quickly became too expensive and in 1990 the building was closed. It has been closed ever since.

More info: romanrobroek.nl