Genovese Lighthouse | Constanta

Physical & Material Composition

The Genovese Lighthouse (Farul Genovez) is a masonry structure composed of gray limestone blocks. It stands at a total height of 8 meters, though its location on a natural terrace places the focal plane at 21 meters above sea level. The architectural design features a quadrangular pedestal base measuring 3.5 meters in height. An octagonal tower rises from this base, culminating in a platform supported by stone brackets.

The tower is capped with a metallic dome-shaped lantern room. The interior contains a cylindrical chamber housing a spiral staircase constructed from carved stone steps. The optical system originally utilized a static white light capable of a 15-nautical-mile visibility range. Unlike modern revolving optics, this apparatus remained fixed to provide a constant navigational coordinate.

Geographical Location

The structure is situated at 44°10′20″N and 28°39′53″E in the historic district of Constanța, Romania. It is located on Elisabeta Boulevard at the intersection with Remus Opreanu Street. The site sits approximately 150 meters northwest of the Constanța Casino on the Black Sea waterfront.

The lighthouse occupies a position on a limestone cliff overlooking the Port of Tomis. It is located directly behind the monument dedicated to Mihai Eminescu, which serves as a terrestrial landmark for the site. The elevation of the cliff provides the necessary height for the light to clear the sea horizon.

Access Logistics

Pedestrian access is provided via the paved promenade of Elisabeta Boulevard. The site is serviced by the CT Bus "CiTy Tour" line, which operates during the summer season and includes a dedicated stop near the landmark. Visitors arriving from the CFR Train Station can utilize local bus routes to reach the "Lighthouse Square" (Piața Farului) sector.

The terrain surrounding the base consists of a level concrete walkway with adjacent stone steps leading toward the shoreline. Parking is available in designated public lots along Remus Opreanu Street and near the Port of Tomis. There is no entry fee to examine the exterior, as the interior staircase remains closed to general public traffic.

Historical Markers

The current limestone tower was constructed between 1858 and 1860. It was commissioned by the Danube and Black Sea Railway Company, a British-owned organization. French-Armenian engineer Artin Aslan directed the engineering and construction phases.

The structure was built to replace an original wooden or stone beacon dating back to approximately 1300, attributed to Genoese merchants. The lighthouse operated as a primary navigational aid for 53 years until decommissioning in 1913. It underwent a significant restoration in 1948 and was officially relit on February 16, 2020, following a 107-year hiatus.

Insider Observation

A specific architectural detail is found in the stone brackets or corbels that support the upper eaves of the tower. These elements are carved with distinct capital-style motifs that reflect a localized interpretation of neo-Gothic influences.

A heritage plaque, inaugurated in October 2015 by the Armenians' Union in Romania, is affixed to the site. The lantern room contains a recently restored magnifying glass lens provided by the Marine Museum to replace the missing original optic. The stone surfaces on the northern side show specific weathering patterns and trace mineral deposits resulting from proximity to saltwater spray.

Surrounding Environmental Context

The lighthouse is bordered to the southeast by the Oscar Han statue of poet Mihai Eminescu. The immediate eastern perimeter consists of a stone balustrade overlooking the Black Sea. To the west, the site is adjacent to the Historic City Hall building and various commercial structures on Remus Opreanu Street.

Vegetation in the immediate vicinity includes manicured grass lawns and deciduous trees common to the Dobruja region. The Port of Tomis, located 300 meters to the north, contains several maritime businesses including "Boat Care Romania." The area is a high-density zone for historical monuments, including the Aquarium of Constanța located 200 meters to the south.