Ovid Square holds 4.5 on Google from more than 5,500 reviews, and the building, a category A listed monument, keeps about 400 m² of polychrome mosaic in place.
About the place
In the middle of the square stands the statue of Ovid, the Roman poet exiled to Tomis, made in 1887 by the sculptor Ettore Ferrari. The square also holds the former Town Hall of 1913–1921, home of the National History and Archaeology Museum, now closed for rehabilitation. Next to it, a protective building opened to visitors around 1970 houses the Roman Mosaic Building, found in 1959 while a foundation for a block of flats was being dug.
The building went up around the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries on three terraces on the cliff above the ancient harbour. Its upper hall had about 2,000 m² of polychrome mosaic floor, of which about 400 m² survive in place, with geometric and plant motifs and a single white dove. On the terrace below are vaulted rooms used as storehouses, where amphorae, iron ingots and anchors were found. Some visitors say the mosaic has faded and the explanations are sparse.
Good to know
- The building is open Wednesday to Sunday; in summer 2026, from 1 May to 30 September, it stayed open until 19:00.
- The Pizzico restaurant and the Carol I Mosque are about 150 m away.
- The Archaeological Park, with ancient stonework displayed in the open air, is about 700 m away.
Opening hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 9–17 |
| Thursday | 9–17 |
| Friday | 9–17 |
| Saturday | 9–17 |
| Sunday | 9–17 |
Hours may change on public holidays. Check before you go.