Genoese Lighthouse, Historic lighthouse near the Casino in Constanța, Romania.
The Genoese Lighthouse is an octagonal stone tower in Constanța, standing about 16 meters tall with a metal dome roof designed for light projection. The structure features eight windows arranged to direct light across the harbor and the surrounding waters.
The structure was built in the early 1300s by maritime traders operating in the region. It underwent major reconstruction between 1858 and 1860 under the guidance of engineer Artin Aslan, who brought French-Armenian engineering methods to the project.
The name reflects a misunderstanding by Turkish occupiers who attributed Constanța's substantial medieval buildings to Genoese traders, though there is no documented connection. This mistaken attribution has shaped how the structure is remembered.
The tower sits beside Constanța's Casino, making it easy to locate along the waterfront area. Best to visit during daylight hours to see the architectural details of the stone walls and dome clearly.
The walls were built using natural stone blocks held together with mortar that contained crushed seashells. This local building technique shows how builders worked with available materials in practical ways.
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