THE EVOLUTION OF TOURIST RESORTS CONSTANTA AND MAMAIA. 1878-1941

Headnote

Abstract: Dobrogea, the Danube Delta and Snakes ' Island become integrating parts of Romania, the moment the country gets officially its international independence. This is the starting moment when the Royal Family, Government, Dobrogea officials but also private entrepreneurs have developed tourism infrastructure development projects for the Black Sea coast. Regardless of motivation and social-economic and political considerations, on the eve ofXlX-XX centuries as well as in the interwar period, Constanta and Mamaia benefit from urban utility improvements, (electric lighting, sewage, street paving, hotels, the casino) from beach development, treatments, cultural and summer entertainment, elements of progress and modernity that will warn Europe that at the gates of the Levant a civilization was born and it asked to be discovered and known.

Key words: Tourism infrastructure, tourism facilities, Constanta-citv port, Mamaia-balneary facilities, the Casino - place of culture and entertainment location, the Casino - Mazare 's ruin.

1. INTRODUCTION

After Romania's state Independence conquest the seaside tourism infrastructure development, part of Dobrogea, due to its the travel changes reflect the socio- economic development of the province of Dobrogea [1], Romanian elite and media regarded the seaside resorts as "urban improvisations, quasi-oriental flavor" [2], having, however, all natural elements: mud, sunbathing, hot baths treatment [3], but there was a need for building "hotels and villas that should meet the growing requirements of hygiene and comfort" [4], His Royal Higlmess, Carol I himself, expressed his opinion on July 23, 1878 on the tourist infrastructure of Constanta, in a personal letter, stating that the city by the sea has "sea baths facilities and some good hotels" [5],

By the late nineteenth century, "pleasure" travel could be made by the Romanian Railways ships (Bucharest), between Constanta - Constantinople - Piraeus [6], Besides the wonderful beaches, Constanta also liad urban improvements as electric lighting, sewerage, paved and straight streets, with the appearance of a European civilization settlement at the great gates of the East; the destiny of the city was to become "one of Europe's most reputed and popular seaside resorts" [7],

By the late nineteenth century, the beaches could be leased by the city council under a contract. Demetrius D. Nicolaescu contractor whose contract 584/1897 expired on January 1, 1900 [8], asked from the city council a new contract. Thus, the contractor signs for three years, starting with June 1, 1901, a contract with the municipality; the two places that liad bathhouses were owned and leased by the coimnune by 7,120 lei / year and the following obligations were stipulated in the contract: "sand spit changed every morning, clean combs, hairbrushes, mirrors, clothes and boots brushes, lingerie will consist of a towel, a large sheet, slippers and pants, all costumes must be washed, there should be personnel, safety ropes, cleanness should be kept", but also the contractor's rights(fees): 50 bani / linen, 25 bani / child linen, 30bani / no linen, 15 bani / no child linen [9].

Important achievements in tourism were made by individuals, also. Being aware of the beach potential. Hie Grigorescu built in 1896, two bathhouses in the north of the city, "all by himself without any obligation to the Coimnune" [10],

A major role for the tourism development at the beginning of the twentieth century was played by the infrastructure, as evidenced in a document of that time: "On July 1 baths season starts, the music of Regiment 34 (is free of charge), bathhouses are repaired, constant cleaning sennce of the herbs thrown by the waves on the shore, the terrace of the Casino is broadened, Roman, Elin, Independence Market, Carol 1, Trajan streets, Elizabeth Boulevard are electrically, a train departs six times daily to the Vineyard bathhouses"; this publication had the header, "Romania. Municipality of Constanta Commune" and the title "publication" [11] . According to a journalist of the time, the infrastructure to produce "resort prosperity" is subject to "two public interests: the first is the economic, the second is the healthful one" [12], Public lighting was provided in 1906 by Siemens- Schuckert Company from Bucharest [13], The beaches of Constanta City on New Year's Eve in 1900, mentioned in official documents and kept at the National Archives Service of Constanta County and known by the locals and tourists were: The bathhouses from the Vineyards, where one could reach by train, the Modern Beach, Duduia Beach, Three Slippers Beach (the information and accounts about the evolution of Constanta's beaches are to be found in the corpus of the County History Archives, tourist magazines, newspapers as well as in that time literary works).

During World War I, Constanta suffered huge losses, "the city was as dead'' because of the devastation "in the most inhumane way thanks to the Bulgarian troops" [14], Many private houses destroyed in 1916 [15], Thus, both social and summer life of the city were interrupted by the war.

After World War I, summer life in Constanta continues. Although a sojourn was expensive, Constanta, was a very popular resort. On the first page of the central newspaper "The Morning" an unattractive advertisement for the potential tourists is written - "There is great expensiveness in Constanta. 50 lei / bath. As I arrived, I went to water" - but on page four, the advertisement in upper bold cases, greatly lured the tourists to the beach "Constanta-Black Sea Pearl, Casino, Sea baths, Theatre, Variety, Dancing, Games as in all big European resorts, Sports, Restaurants, Voyage facilities: two trains daily, Palace Hotel Constanta" [16].

The journalist Lazar G. Soimu writes about some aspects of sojourn spent in Constanta: first, he talks about the crowd existing in North Station caused by the large number of tourists heading to Constanta, then he says that the weather is cold, "baths haven't started yet" and Ovid square is empty after midnight; the train runs two times a day, the journey takes 4 hours; Palace Metropol, Grand, Regal hotels are mentioned with room prices of 800-1200 lei a month and meal prices 35-45 lei [17].

In 1921, Constance was considered the most elegant balneary-climatic resort in Romania. The summer season was from July 1 to September 15. City balneary facilities were two: a "narrower" one located in the city and another one in Mamaia. Constanta had elegant hotels, private rooms, restaurants, and casino. The entertainment consisted in casino attending, trips to Adamclisi, Cemavoda, Techirghiol, Mangaba, Balchik, Sulina, Constantinople; walks along the seashore [18],

Constance had, in 1926, luxury hotels - Carol, Palace, Regnier; first class hotels- Queen, Boulevard; fourteen hotels of class II; ten hotels class III; numerous villas and private houses. As public services there were pharmacies, doctors, P.T.T., all class restaurants, casino. Tours were made along the beautiful seashore from Techirghiol to Balchik or abroad, to Constantinople or Athens. Tourists could receive information from the Bureau of Balneary-Climatic Office. Balneary indications were: nervous asthenia, anemia, fatigue, debility, scrofula, lymph, rickets, nodule tuberculosis, hysteria, diabetes, serious diseases convalescence. Besides the very good accommodation conditions, Constance also had very modem beaches and bath places, both in the city and in Mamaia [19], Constanta is called the Metropolis of Dobrogea in the official documents belonging to the City Hall [20],

Mamaia had, in 1928, the following buildings which were the properties of Constanta Municipality - Mamaia bar, Bathhouses pavilions, the gardener's house and mill, Mamaia Park (10ha); of the Royal House -the Palace in Mamaia; private estates - Romulus Voinescu villa General Angelescu villa, Arch. Dobrescu villa, General Constantinescu villa, Ionescu villa, Manicatide villa, Engineer Banescu and Stirbei villas (that were under construction) [21],

From a report issued by the Mayor's office we find that in the fall of 1928, Mamaia had 11 villas, the number of tourists was of 8-10 thousand annually, the resort's permanent population was of 30 people, drinking water was taken from wells, the park was watered by water from Siut-Ghiol lake and also the boulevard (5km) which connected the resort to the city, there were no rooms for rent only owned villas [22], And from a report carried out by the Mayor's Office for the General Balneary-Climatic Inspectorate we find out that bath fees were charged, but there were no cure and music taxes, Commune tax income was of £ 850,000, lei, there was a balneary doctor, electric light existed only in Royal Palace and Mamaia Bathhouses, there were new buildings built after the war [23],

In May 1928, the Fifth International Congress of Thalassotherapy was held in Constanta, under the presidency of the Romanian Balneologist Anibal Theohari, attended by a large number of foreign scholars [24], The Thalassotherapy Congress held in Constanta on 26-27 May 1928 [25] was a great event in the scientific world. This extremely important event shows the high appreciation that the foreign experts had for the Romanian research studies and scientists, carried out on thalassotherapy. Moreover, the Society of Medical Hydrology thanked the City Hall for the welcome given to the congress participants: "The Vth International Congress of Thalassotherapy provided its members the occasion to visit your city and on their behalf we thank you for your kind support in welcoming the guests. You, thereby have contributed to the great success of the Congress and impression that the foreigner participants have left our country with." [26],

And at the end of June of the same year, Constanta and Mamaia were visited by other 32 delegates of The Little Press Agreement. In the letter no. 11508 of June 10, 1928 the Prefecture of Constanta County requested from the Mayor's Office: "Mr. Mayor, Monday, June 25, at 7:15, 32 conference delegates of The Little Press Agreement will arrive in Constanta, thereby I have the honor to kindly ask you for your help in order to organize a brilliant reception as possible for these distinguished guests. Mr. Prefect of Police will contact with you in this regard. The program will be: at 7:30 a.m., milk coffee at Palace Hotel. 10 a.m.: Visit at the Episcopal Church and mosque. Car trip to Mamaia. At 1 p.m.: Lunch offered by the County Prefecture at the Palace Hotel. At 3:30 p.m., port and a ship of the RMS visit. At 5 p.m.: tea. At 6: 10 p.m., return to Bucharest" [27],

In the same summer, another 16 foreign tourists - Polish students - visited Constanta City being attended very warmly. They came on July 8, by boat from Sulina, and went to Bucharest on July 10, visiting us "in order to know both the beauty and richness of our country and our people's soul" [28], For this end the National Union of Students in Romania has taken the necessary steps by sending a request to Constanta City Hall to consider a very good accommodation and warm welcome for the Polish students, believed to be the future leaders of Poland. Constance was also visited by 20 tourists (teachers and students) from Nasaud, 25 tourists (students) from Czechoslovakia, 500 tourists from Bessarabia, 9 Italian tourists (students), 30 tourists (students) from France [29],

In the interwar period, the importance of Constanta City as a landmark was also determined by the existence of the port, which made the city become "the window through which we could breathe the air of freedom" [30],

Although the Romanian authorities' efforts after 1878 to support tourism were steady and constant sustained only in 1927 Constanta was declared balneary- climatic resort by Royal Decree no. 456 of February 21 [31].

In the 30s Constanta continue to be one of our important balneary-climatic resorts. This was due both to the climate, which was maritime, sweet, having pure air because of the sea vapors, rich in oxygen and ozone, and sea too, which exercised its beneficial effects through the complex of marine air, tonic and stimulant and water rich in radioactive salts [32], Natural factors have a decisive role in the practice of tourism and we see that nature greatly helped by local authorities has contributed to Constanta's development, in terms of tourism.

The interest for Constanta city was shown not only by tourists but also by scientists, journalists, students or military. The interest was fully supported by local authorities who involved not only in tourism but also in city development, generally speaking. Thus, when the city was visited by important people, they were treated properly. Scientists were another category of tourists well welcomed in our city. A total of 40 members of the Geographical Society from Vienna visited Constanta in the summer of 1924, being received with hospitality [33], Address no. 43.436 of July 27, 1926 of Foreign Affairs Ministry announced Constanta Municipality that American tourists would arrive in the city: "Mr. Mayor, On August 8, a group of 55 trippers, mostly American students will arrive in Constanta, coming from Bucharest. The schedule for these trippers during their stay in Constanta, made by the Society "Friends of the United States, " consists of a trip to Mamaia, a meal after bath (meal which will be paid by the delegate of the Society "Friends of the United States") a tour of the city and port. It would be therefore advisable that, after the trippers ' arrival in Constanta, to be taken to Mamaia either by a special train or special wagons and for their port visit to be provided with a tracker. After visiting the port it would be nice if they had teat the Casino tea and a meal in the evening - provided if possible by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce "[34].

Similarly, Prof. Dr. I. Cantacuzino led a delegation of 20 teachers and doctors who were the delegates of the International Society for Hygiene in Geneva, a the seaside; the agenda of this visit included: "1) June 9 in the evening, the arrival by cars from Tulcea. 2) Checking in at the Palace Hotel. 3 ) 9 o 'clock p.m., meal. 4) June 10: 8-9 o'clock a.m., morning snack. 5) 9-11 o'clock a.m., city visit. 6) 11 o'clock a.m., leave to Carmen Sylva, Techirghiol-CTC by cars. 7) 1-2 o 'clock p.m. lunch at Carmen Sylva. 8)2-4 o 'clock p.m., balneary-climatic resorts visit. 9) 4 o 'clockp.m, return to Constanta by cars. 10)<5 o'clock p.m., train leave to Bucharest' [35], Chief physician of Constanta together with the Municipality supported the scientific visit [36], Of course, this visit is not an isolated case. A group of Polish journalists visited Constanta and Mamaia on September 9, 1924, being received with hospitality, due to the request made by the Ministry of Interior to the Mayor's Office [37], We also mention the visit "of the group of trippers of the Polish-Romanian Press Association" [38], who enjoyed a welcome ceremony, seashore walks, organized meals, etc. It is not known if this group came on business or simply as tourists, but, although they are called "trippers" they were officially welcomed. On an official visit was also a French general accompanied by two officers on 13 June, 1930 in Constanta; they were welcomed by the local authorities and the national flags of France and Romania were hoisted as such. Accommodation was at the Military Circle (the Carol Hotel) city, port and beach visit by cars, and the meals for the French and Romanian officials were paid by the Prefecture of Constanta [39], Also, in the summer of that year Constanta received the visit of some Czechoslovakian officers and some Yugoslavian ministers. Frequent official visits - as the Mayor of Constanta noted- impoverished local budget. Thus, the local authorities were forced to seek financial help from the center: " Mr. Prefect, on the occasion of the reception of the Czechoslovakian officers and Yugoslavian ministers the Municipality has prevented all costs. Since municipal funds are significantly affected by these receptions, which are more frequent in our city, we kindly ask you give us an answer if the Ministry let you know that understands this situation and will contribute to these costs incurring [40].

An interwar tom guide reminds mentions a number of 15 hotels Palas, Français, Grand Queen, Boulevard, Elite, High-Life, Metropol, Bristol Royal, Commercial Central, Princely, Minerva, Continental [41].

After the promulgation of the 1936 Tourism Law, all resorts in Romania are classed. Thus, the Ministry of Health, under the law, by decision no. 33 425 in 1938, declared Constanta and Mamaia as balneary- climatic, meeting all necessary conditions. But at the end of the same year, the Ministry of the Interior, by decision no. 38 744 in 1938, declassed Constanta and Mamaia. And in 1939, Constanta has the status of local interest resort. This status is provided by the Ministry of Interior, according to the letter no. 7366/1939 [42],

Weather Publishing House publishes in 1936 a guide of the balneary-climatic resorts, Constanta being included [43], The National Tourist Office assures advertisement for Constanta within the pages of "Romania" magazine in early 1940. To this end, information have been asked (data and photos) from the City Hall, at the end of the year 1939, in December - the initiative being that of the Ministry of National Propaganda, O.N.T. section [44],

Later, in 1940, tourism advertisement for Constanta and Mamaia is also assured by the famous work "'Guide de la Roumanie" [45], But the efforts to attract tourists are in vain due to domestic and international events.

The 1940 summer was compromised due to the war. The City Hall sends an address to the Ministry of Finance, which indicates: "Given the international events, the 1940 season was closed early due to the lack of visitors"; and it also informed about the many remaining tickets made of watermarked paper [46],

In 1941, the National Tourism Office requires a picture of the hotels in Constanta City. This will be carried out by the head of the municipal Commissioner, and includes all hotels, a number of 22, as well as the owners' name: Palas Hotel, owner Toma Boata; Grand Hotel, owner Dumitru St. Dumitru; Carlton Hotel, owners Alexander and Eugenia Gheorghiu; Queen Hotel, owner Toma Tarpa; Boulevard Hotel, owner Michael Tarpa; French Hotel, owner Joana Marcovici; Royal Hotel owner Pascal Cochino; Bristol Hotel, owner C. Niculescu; Central Hotel, owner Paraschiv Frangopol; Modem Hotel, owner Victoria Sotir Iotu; Metropol Hotel, owner Victoria Sotir Iotu; Elite Hotel, owner John T. Muse; Hotel Transylvania, owner Franz Citadel; Commercial Hotel, owners Antoniadis brothers; Cap Hotel owner Anghel Rahau; Tomis Hotel, owner T. Manoliu; Aurel Hotel owner H.Z. Stoica; Splendor Hotel owner Vasile Mihai; Hotel Babus owner C. Petrescu; Monastir Hotel, owner Ion Bogatu; Hotel Continental, owner C. Niculescu; Balkan Hotel, owner Stere Belu [47],

Outstanding pictures of Constanta tourism achievements are to be found in the album "Remember Constanta 1895-1945", which is a source of tourism past reconstitution through the help of images. The photos display images of the Elizabeth Boulevard, Casinos, Bathhouses from the Vineyards, Mamaia Bathhouses, streets, events [48],

The restaurants were the favorite places for both locals and tourists. Constance had a large number of restaurants and cafes.

In the interwar period in Constanta the restaurants were divided into four categories. The following were considered luxury: Regina, Bristol, Grand, Elite, Stock Market; first class: Venice, Gruber, Grandfather, Capato, Suzana as well as the pubs Mercury, Abramescu, Jubileu, Royal; class II: Vilson, D. Papadopol, A. Segal, Ion Suciu, Commercial, Transylvania, Orezanu, Pleven, Romanian Army, Stavru Dragon, Costi Atanasiu, A. Fagarasanu Ion Cicei, Anesti Chiriadopol, Pirula, Tudorache Nicolau, Hristu Pascalidi, At guns, Boulevard café restaurant, Gruber (city), and the pubs Georgeopol and C. Dumitrescu, P. Mihailescu as well as all the cafes in Elizabeth Boulevard; class III: all the restaurants, pubs and cafes in the city and that were not included in the above range categories. The meal and drink prices served in the restaurants were set by Constanta City Hall. Luxury and first class restaurants had French, Romanian and Eastern cuisine; they also had terraces, beer house, confectionery and orchestra. The others served traditional Romanian cuisine and local beverages [49],

The writer Tudor Soimaru, in a book about Constanta in the 30s, presents the show offered by the crowd of cafes. Towards the Casino, near the harbor, there were "Sulina Café" and "Maritime Café"; next to them "At the Helmsman" cafe where the porters and city "offscourings" came. Favorite food: atherine fish with tomatoes generously "irrigated" with drinks. In the market "Ovid"- i.e. in the center - "Café Elite" was to be found, a luxury place with music; here, was also the place for the popular "Sailors Café". In Carol Street, another chain of cafes: "Post Office Café", "Hunters Café" (where the writer sees Greeks playing pool with a priest), then "Trajan's wave" (here brandy instead of rum was poured in the coffee cream) "Merchant", "Select", "International", "Bucharest". Unemployed frequented "Tripoli" cafe and the "fish" were to be found at "The National". Bricklayers and carpenters also had their café, and the Armenians - "Ararat"; coach drivers went to a certain café: Bojargic [50],

After 1878, a preoccupation of Constanta's officials was to build urban landmarks in order to attract as many tourists as possible. One of these goals was the Casino. The history of this building starts in July 1880, when the City Hall leases an area located near the Genovese lighthouse to build a ballroom for three years. In 1881 the construction will be expanded with new rooms and it will be called "cure room" and later will be called in everyday language as "Cazin" or "Kursaal" [51].

In 1891 a part of the building is destroyed [52], By 1892, it remains, however, a modest building, made of board that "whose main purpose was the tourist' entertainment during the baths season" and "charity balls" organized by the City Hall. In 1881, in addition to new rooms a terrace embellished with flowers, tables, chairs etc. is also added. This "Casin'' was lit by lamps placed along Elizabeth Boulevard [53], After twelve years of working, in 1892, the City Hall decided to build another construction, bigger than the first, but still provisional. The construction will be built based on the project designed by the technical department of the City Hall. The location, after several proposals have been taken into consideration was on the site of the current aquarium [54], In February 1892, Mr. Dimitrie Benderli assigned an estate in Elizabeth Boulevard so that a "provisional municipal casino" was built; it was decided that the building which served as municipal casino be demolished in order to build another wooden one temporarily [55], On March 24, 1892 a tender was organized for the construction of a wooden building "which should serve as municipal casino according to the project designed by the technique department"; the manager of "Carol Hotel" was to run the temporary casino but the City Hall also (food and drinks were to be provided by the hotel manager and the subscriptions - the City Hall); estimated cost of the temporary casino was of 3358 lei [56], The new Casino was built on June 30, 1893, by the sea, and it had a dance hall, a corridor, several rooms, terraces on the seashore; it was illuminated by lamps and "fanare" (lanterns), using highest quality oil; visitors and locals attended masked balls, raffles, chess games, dominoes, backgammon, conferences, performances given by Muslim troops and troops from Bucharest [57], The "municipal casin'' opens in 1899 season from July 8 having Moise Popovici [58] as its intend ant. The preparation of the season was in June and the season started at the beginning of July.

From the minutes concluded on June 3, 1900, between the City Hall and entrepreneur Nicodinescu, we find out that the latter takes on lease the Casino for a rent of 2250 lei. But there seems to have been misunderstandings, since later a contract between the City Hall and Leonida Atanasiu is signed, the Casino, this time, being leased for a sum of 2350 lei for the two years - 1900, 1901. The contract also stipulates the official charges set by the City Hall, the Casino tariffs; for example, a Turkish coffee - 25 bani, new card games - 8 lei, old card games - 3 lei. We also find out from the contract that the games played at the casino were card games, chess, backgammon, dominoes, and the access was made based on subscriptions or tickets. Subscriptions had the following prices, as follows: all season - 20 lei / family; 10 lei / person; 12 lei / military family; 6 lei / retired military; 15 days - 5 lei / person; 7 days - 3 lei / person; 3 days - 2 lei / person; 1 day - 1 leu /person [59],

In the early twentieth century, the City Hall decided to demolish the building in order to prevent its collapse. In 1903, the architect Daniel Renard designs the project of a new casino. But soon, in 1905, the City Hall has abandoned this project, another architect being appointed - Petre Antonescu. He designed a building in the spirit of the national constructive art traditions. After pouring foundations, they brought back the architect Daniel Renard. In his project, elements of French baroque and rococo prevail [60], Foundations were changed three times, but eventually the Casino was built in the Art Nouveau style [61],

Work began in 1907, the work contract was held by M. Frangopol and M. Moscovici, and the construction was completed in 1909. Other architects such as C. Calinescu and V. Stefanescu also contributed to the casino's construction. Although, completed in 1909 the Casino was opened on August 15, 1910.

Constanta Casino was a place of culture, a place of entertainment, a gambling place etc. Large amounts of money were either gained or lost here. Many people tried their luck either as entrepreneurs or as players. About gambling we have an interesting opinion from the doctor George Ulieru: "As Apollo, the god of light, the good and the beautiful calls his suffering sons to his brilliant palace in order to give them once again the health that he invested them with when the world was created, the devil, the god of evil, installs his stall also, calling loudly by clown gestures this nation of poor people. From his fierce mouth called: come, come to baccarat, the bulla, and fox-trot and in the rhythm of a groovy song, sounding his spurs, empties and fills the horn with gold coins. And the poor mankind once again leaves the outside splendors in order to flock as if at a fair, lured by the misleading glow and rhythmical sound of gold. In the glare light of the electric bulbs, bodies dressed in veils embrace and leave on the sounds and movements of some defiant music and dance, pulled out from taverns, while on the edge of a large table and other smaller ones, the feverish crowd, with stunning eyes, with thrilling heart from the evening to dawn burn their life like a candle" [62],

In 1930, gambling was approved, following a tender by the Ministry of Health (July 14) [63],

But the casino was also an important place of culture. The authorities involved very much in supporting the building as a cultural location. Entertainment was provided by performances and concerts of numerous bands, artists or companies; there were also held various banquets, receptions where public people took part at [64],

But the casino was not only a place of culture or entertainment location. During World War I, the Casino was transformed into a hospital where the wounded were brought from the front in Dobrogea. But even if on top of the building the flag of "The Red Cross" was hoisted the Germans bombed it from airplanes, on October 6, 1916 and there were some victims [65], Later, an inscription was labeled on the wall of the building with the following text: "This building, transformed into a hospital during the war from 1916 to 1918, was destroyed by enemy airplanes on the day of October 6, 1916, while it housed 400 wounded Romanians" [66],

In the first guide about Constanta, the Casino was presented as it follows: "Imposing building, in modern Secession style; masterpiece of the architect Renard. It is located along the seashore, in General Averescu Boulevard. It has a magnificent terrace in the sea. Sumptuous interior, game rooms, theater and concert hall, first class bar and restaurant. Two orchestras, a national one in the restaurant room and a classic one on the terrace give daily concerts. It often organizes very successful celebrations, festivals and balls. Theatre troupes characterized by distinguished elements give summer season performances. In the right wing of the Casino, in the sea, a small dam is built forming a miniature port, for sail, oar and motor boats. Sailing day and night" [67],

Being an important building both for summer season and Constanta's image, the city required the authorization of a smaller tender for the repair of the building on the occasion of Dobrogea's semi-centennial organized at the end of September 1928; the Ministry of Finance appropriated an amount of 1,500,000 lei to this building for this purpose "meant for cultural, and artistic events and public entertainment"[68], And in 1934, the City Hall made repairing works of the casino so that it were "a jewel of our city"[69], This building repairs and improvements were a priority for the City Hall from Constanta as the casino made money for the local budget. Not the same thing can be said today, in the third millennium, when Constanta mayor's concern for the Casino's "ruin" is ABSOLUTE ZERO!

"Prince Carol" Royal Cultural Foundation, Constanta subsidiary, wanted to organize the first demonstration on August 14 to 15,1938 -a congress of the Cultural Centre of Dobrogea and a book and art exhibition from Dobrogea, at Casino from Constanta. Branch president, L. Dumitriu asks for moral and material support from the prefecture. Since enough rooms weren't provided, this event was postponed [70], But we can say that the building was a cultural landmark of interwar Constanta since this was the place where many conferences and shows were taking place attended both by Constanta's intellectuals and tourists who came to spend their vacation.

Until World War II, the Casino hosted in the concert hall, numerous artistic bands and orchestras; only the restaurant rooms being operational, thereafter.

If during World War I, the Casino was transformed in hospital, during World War II this imposing building was converted into military barracks. From archival documents we find out that the Germans paid 56,250 for the rent of the Casino during January 16- March 2, 1941 [71],

The casino has been for several decades, the most representative building of the city; its true symbol. The casino is the emblematic building of pre- and interwar Constanta.

An important celebration for the city of Constanta was Mamaia Bathhouses inauguration on 13 August, 1906. The ceremony was organized in a big way, fireworks, attended by all notable people of the time [72],

First balneary facilities in Mamaia started in 1905. Mayor of Constanta between 1905 and 1907, Ion Banescu, was the person who chose Mamaia beach as location for the bathhouses, even if the majority was skeptical about this place away from city [73], "The word" newspaper published on December 18, 1905 an article about the bathhouses in Mamaia, offering their various arguments against their settlement away from the city; among the arguments, there were: the distance from the city (9 km), scarcity of transport; travel time waste (three quarters of an hour-one way, three quarters of an hour-return); unsalted sea water due to lake proximity; water depth felt after 100 m from the seashore; plants lack made the sand get into the eyes; "and what's more dangerous, wet and naked, chattering teeth, you need an hour to get back to the room you get dressed [74]."

Constanta's mayor carried out "the gorgeous system of Mamaia bathhouses, which can be regarded as a pride of Constanta, by the architect Petre Antonescu's projects [75], Pavilions and railway station's towers on that sand tongue called Mamaia, including the most wonderful beaches in the world, rise as if in the fairytale world" [76],

After 1906, the year Mamaia was created, area development can be noticed. People are the eager to purchase land lots, among them we mention a teacher from "Lady Helen" school who wants to buy 1000 m2near Mamaia beach[77].

In order to have a complete image of Mamaia resort of the early twentieth century we must say that there were benches and willow umbrages on the beach; carriage rides were made outside the establishment area, especially on Sundays.

A place appreciated by Mamaia's visitors was "At the Mill". There was a water mill between the sea and Lake Siut-Ghiol where trips were made. Next to the mill there was a rustic restaurant with a splendid view. Gourmets had the opportunity to feast with fish caught right under their eyes. Ovid Island, which was in the middle of Lake Siut-Ghiol, was also visited by the tourists who came in Mamaia. It was reached by private boats since the island wasn't yet under public administration [78],

Tourists arrived at Mamaia beach by train; there were four trains per day, and the journey from Constanta to Mamaia took up to 25 minutes. From the announcement of the General Board of the Romanian Railways - Constanta Station, on the trains running to Mamaia Bathhouses we find out that a ticket cost 50bani, a subscription of 10 tickets cost 4 lei, children over 4 years paid normal ticket, for big dogs one paid 1 leu return ticket [79],

During World War I, Mamaia Bathhouses were destroyed [80], Mamaia infrastructure development is carried out during the interwar period. Slowly but surely, Mamaia met a real process of modernization which seemed to become soon one of the most famous European resorts, a favorite fashionable place during summertime. From 1920 to 1940 several important buildings were built here which continue to maintain their original status as luxury locations even nowadays. In the early 20's of the twentieth century, the City Hall of Constan(a gave the royal family land to build a mansion on the seashore. Basically, the idea of building the Royal Palace in Mamaia emerged after in 1922 it was decided that the royal palace residence that existed at that time in Constanta, between the Prefecture and the Court, be given to the Court of Appeal since the latter did not have enough space. And since the annual visit of the royal family in Constanta took place in summer, usually about the feast of August 15, it was decided that the royal residence was moved to Mamaia, which was built between 1924 and 1927, the building that still exists today known as "Castle Club". The press of those times say that the site of the palace was decided by Princess Helen, Carol II's wife, who greatly wanted a place for her and Prince Michael on the seashore. The inauguration ceremony of this building was on August 23, 1928 attended by the royal family and Constanta authorities [81].

After the Royal Palace, the next luxury construction built in Mamaia will be the casino. The building was constructed in the place of the wood pavilion walled off in 1906 and destroyed by fire in 1919. In the summer of 1935 the Casino is inaugurated - a multifunctional building that housed a restaurant with a terrace and two level rows of concrete rooms as well as freshwater shower rooms and indoor sanitation; in front of Casino there was a 120-meter long bridge which forwarded into the sea provided with two slides in the middle [82],

If up to the World War I Mamaia did not have electric light or any other urban improvements[83], the situation will change radically in the interwar period, when a series of public utility works are achieved: resort parceling, street paving, park beautification, electric lightning start, new mansion building etc. [84],

Mamaia Beach and all beaches in Constanta were the property of Constanta City Hall [85],

In 1933, the architect Constantin Iotzu prepared an estimate project for Mamaia Bathhouses, he projected a central pavilion, wings (changing rooms), indoor sanitation, sewage, electricity, elevators, ventilation, garages, shops [86], Locker rooms work began on November 1, 1934, so that in 1935 season become "the most modem facilities of their kind in Europe", covering a total area of 4,000 m2, with 600 locker rooms, solariums, terraces, special facilities for water sports, electric light [87],

Other resort improvements included building the sea bar and its access bridge - work that started in 1935 and finished in 1937. Its architect was Stephanescu [88],

"Rex" Hotel, another representative building was designed in the same architectural style, typical for the Mediterranean coast, as it was in the case of the casino. Masterpiece of one of the most important Romanian architects George M. Cantacuzino, at the moment of its inauguration in 1937, "Rex" Hotel was one of the largest and most luxurious buildings of its kind in the country. Designed in the style of the French Riviera, this hotel had a white monumental architecture but in the same time a holiday one also. The initiative to build Rex Hotel belonged to the National Tourism Office in 1936. The National Tourism Office was created since 1924. With these several important buildings interwar construction work ended in Mamaia, the project will be re-continued in the post-war years, after a period of time, from 1945 to 1950 when the Soviet authorities were located here.

National Tourist Office notified Constanta City Hall in May 1936 that a large hotel was decided to be built in Mamaia, in order to help the resort "grow". Construction cost 15 million lei and was initiated by Sergiu Dumitru, chief of N.T.O. [89],

Foundation stone was laid by His Majesty, the King on August 15, 1936, and in 1937 the entire building was ready; the hotel was up to 600 m from the beach facilities, laid on 2,000m2, had 120 rooms per floor and the technique and decoration gave the apartments, lecture room and restaurant hall special charm, being considered the most modem building on the Black Sea coast [90],

"Rex" Hotel was opened in 1938 season and it marked the beginning of the N.T.O. campaign of "enriching" the coast with buildings necessary to the tourism; Mamaia resort advertisement was made during this period by a balneary committee composed of Constanta's most prosperous businessmen. One of the initiatives of this committee was to create a fervent advertising campaign to promote Mamaia resort, using for this purpose the local and national newspapers. Also, flyers announcing the great benefits of sea and sun baths in Mamaia were spread throughout the country, but also abroad. Advertising results weren't long waited, that time press informing that the resort was populated by tourists coming from Poland, Germany, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, America, Bukovina and Bessarabia [91], Tourism achievements were brought to notice to the many tourists through advertising.

In 1938, Mamaia was presented by "Romania" magazine as follows: "Here lays Mamaia, with its unique beach and new bath facilities, the grand hotel of the National Tourism Office the copy of the international beach palaces in all respects ... The lifeguard, the lake, with its ships and water sports" [92],

On the eve of the Second World War, the resort accommodation capacity reached 1,067 seats; in 1939, 110,506 tourists visited Mamaia resort [93], Mamaia was the most elegant seaside resort, the most wanted beach in the South Eastern Europe [94],

This resort became a residential place frequented by the modem world, by the Romanian society elite, but which was also accessible to the middle class. Mamaia enjoys an international reputation being considered the finest sand beach in Europe, and also a resort meeting western standards. As Constanta too, Mamaia resort was transformed into a military centre during World War II. At the end of the war the resort has made great efforts to continue its normal life.

References

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[1] , ERDELI, G., GHEORGHILAS, A., (2006), Tourism facilities, University Publishing House, Bucharest, p. 160.

[2] . The Encyclopedia of Romania, (1943), vol. IV, National Printing Press, Bucharest, p. 270.

[3] , Ibid, p. 267.

[4] , Ibid, p. 234.

[5] , SEISANU, R., (1928)f)obrogea, the Mouths of Danube, The Serpents' Island,Monographic sketch, Studies and documents, Printing House of "The Universe" newspaper, Bucharest, p. 184.

[6] , Constanta National Archives County Department (NACD here on), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 14/1899. p. 6.

[7] , CERNAT, N. (1909), Seaside treatment, DimitrieNicolaescu Printing House, Constanta, p. 65.

[8] , Constanta NACD (1899), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 41, pgs. 13, 30.

[9] , Ibid (1901), file 14. p. 47.

[10] , Ibid (1896), file 34. p. 45.

[11] , Ibid (1901), file 14. p. 45.

[12] , "The morning truth", (1904), I, No. 174, July 24 / August 6, p. 1.

[13] , Constanta NACD (1906), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 15, p. 1.

[14] , TIGOIU, M. (1930), "The development of Constanta City" in the "Romanian Royal Geography Society Bulletin", tomXLIX, p.212.

[15] , Constanta NACD (1916), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 46, p. 86.

[16] , "The Morning", (1921), XVIII, July 3, pgs. 1,4.

[17] , §OIMU, G. L. (1921), From my vacation in Constanta, in "The Morning", XVIII, No.5331, July 11, 1921, p. 8.

[18] , TEPOSU, E., CÂMPEANU, L. (1921 ), Mineral waters and balneary-climatic resorts in Transylvania. With the main resorts of The Old Kingdom, Bessarabia and Bucovina, Second Edition, "Romanian life" Publishing House, Bucharest, pgs. 275-278.

[19] , MICHAILESCU, V. (1926), Romania balnéaire et climatique, "Romanian Book" Publishing House, Bucharest, pgs. 18-19.

[20] , Constanta NACD (1926), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 6, p. 5.

[21] , Ibid (1928), file 16. p. 11.

[22] , Ibid (1928), file 19. p. 80 on the back.

[23] , Ibid, p. 86.

[24\.Ibid, P- 1.

[25], Ibid (1928), file 51. p. 49.

[26\.Ibid, P- 60.

[27], Ibid (1928), file 22. p. 105.

[28\.Ibid, p. 113.

[291 Ibid, pgs. 119,121,132,162,165.

[30] , SIMIONESCU, I. (1925), Cities in Romania, "Romanian Book" Publishing House, Bucharest, p. 93.

[31] , Constanta NACD (1939), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 60, p. 22.

[32] , "The newspaper of sciences and travel", XXXV, No. 33, August 11, pgs. 520-521.

[33] , Constanta NACD (1924), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 15, pgs. 84, 85, 89.

[34] , Ibid (1926), file 15. p. 102.

[35] , Ibid (1930), file 17. p. 44.

[36\.Ibid, pgs. 56, 57.

[37] , Ibid (1924), file 15. pgs. 109, 134, 135.

[38] , Ibid (1930), file 17. p. 70.

[39\.Ibid, P- 85.

[401 Ibid, p. 137.

[41] , BOGDAN, D" GHINEA, A. (n. d.), "Traveller's guide" Prince Carol Cultural Foundation Press Printing, Bucharest, p. 128.

[42] , Constanta NACD (1939), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 60, pgs. 9, 23, 24.

[43] , Ibid (1936), file 39. p. 12.

[44] , Ibid (1939), file 60. p. 29, 30.

[45] , Ibid (1940), file 54. p. 11.

[46] , Ibid (1941), file 21. p. 9.

[47] , Ibid (1941), file 12. p. 46.

[48] , LIPOVAN, V.O., NICOLAE G.-O. (2010), Remember Constanta 1895-1945, Ovid University Press Publishing House, Constanta, p. 253, passim.

[49] , IONESCU, Th., DUPLOYEN, I.N. (1924), Constanta and Techirghiol. Illustrated guide for visitors, "Albania" Graphic Institute, Constanta.

[50] , ÇOIMARU, TUDOR (1936), Constanta. With 40 text figures, "King Carol II" Literature and Art Foundation, Bucharest, p. 31.

[51] , VECERDEA, Gh. (1984), Constanta - Old Casino, in "Sea-coast", XIV, no. 1369, July 3, p. 2.

[52] , CORNESCU, R. (2011), Constanta Casino. Brief history in images, Boldas Publishing House, Constanta, p. 14.

[53] , BONCU, C.M., BONCU, N. (1979), Constanta- contributions to the city 's history, Letter Publishing House, Bucharest, pgs. 62-64.

[54] , VECERDEA, Gh., op. cit. inloc. cit., p. 2.

[55] , Constanta NACD (1892), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 13, p. 9.

[56\.lbid, pgs. 13, 14, 30.

[57] , Ibid (1893), file 22. pgs. 21, 53.

[58] , Ibid (1899), file 25. pgs. 5, 10.

[59] , Ibid (1900), file 31. pgs. 9, 13, 14, 17.

[60] , ANDRONIC, Gh., NEAJU, M., RÄDULESCU, Ad., LASCU, S. (1989).The Romanian seashore of the Black Sea, Sport-Tourism Publishing House, p. 53.

[61] , CORNESCU, R" op. cit., pgs. 36-39.

[62] , CIOROIU, C. (1977), At the Constanta Casino, in "Seashore", VII, No. 623, June 7, p. 3.

[63] , "Bathhouses magazine", II, No. 13-14, July 7-16, 1930, p. 1.

[64] , PÄULEANU, D. (2011), Constanta Casino, Boehm, loisir and European heritage at the Black Sea, Ex Ponto Publishing House, pgs. 250, 251, 309-317, passim.

[65] , DOBROGIANU, IONESCU M. (1931), Tomi- Constanta, "Associated Workers", Printing Press, Constanta, pgs. 90-91.

[66] , Ibid, p. 91.

[67] , IONESCU, Th., DUPLOYEN, I.N., op. cit., p. 53.

[68] , Constanta NACD (1982), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 30, p. 13.

[69] , Ibid (1939), file 40. p. 4.

[70] , Ibid (1938), file 35. pgs. 186, 239.

[71] , Ibid (1941), file 31. p. 1.

[72] , Ibid (1906), file 11. pgs. 165, 166, 168.

[73] , COMÄNIJÄ, CICA, M. (2005), Mamaia 's stories. Mamaia resort Centennial. 1905-2005, Telegraph Advertising Publishing House, Constanta, p. 46, passim.

[74] , LASCU, S. (1999), Age confessions on Dobrogea's history (1878-1947), Doc.177, vol. I (1878-1916), National History and Archeology Museum, Constanta, pgs. 352-354.

[75] , References about Petre Antonescu's works and personality, in (1982) Romanian personalities in natural sciences and technics, Dictionary, Scientific and Encyclopedic Publishing House, Bucharest, pgs. 29-31.

[76] , LASCU, S" op. cit., document 176, p. 352.

[77] , Constanta NACD (1906), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 38, p. 7.

[78] , ADAM, I. (1908), Picturesque Constanta with its surroundings, Descriptive guide with illustrations, Minerva Publishing House, Bucharest, pgs. 165- 168.

[79] , Constanta NACD (1914), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 16, p. 25.

[80] , Ibid (1916), file 46, p. 199.

[81] , COMÄNIJÄ, CICA, M. (2003), Interwar Mamaia - Europe 's balneary resort, in "Telegraph", III, No. 26, 19 July, p. 8.

[82] , ANDRONIC, Gh., et. al., op. cit., p. 36.

[83] , LASCU, S. op. cit., document 406, p. 721.

[84] , RÄDULESCU, Ad., LASCU S" HAÇOTI, P. (1985), Constanta. City guide, Sport-Tourism Publishing House, Bucharest, p. 168.

[85] , TEPOSU, E., PUÇCARIU, V., (1932), Touristic and balneary Romania, "Romanian Book", Bucharest,, p. 304.

[86] , Constanta NACD (1933), Constanta City Hall corpus, file 13, p. 17.

[87] , Ibid (1935), file 40. p. 5.

[88] , Ibid (1934), file 1. pgs. 101, 192.

[89] , "Young Dobrogea", XXXI, No. 104, May 6, p. 1.

[90] , "Romania", II, No.9, September, p. 28.

[91] , COMÄNIJÄ, CICA, M., op., cit., p. 8.

[92] , "Romania", III, No.7, July, p. 19.

[93] , RÄDULESCU, Ad.,et al., op., cit., p. 168.

[94] , "Romania", IV, No.4-5, April-May, pgs. 37-38.