It is a class A historic monument (CT-II-a-A-02901), the oldest Muslim place of worship in Romania according to the Callatis museum, and holds 4.5 on Google from more than 800 reviews.
About the place
The mosque was built in 1575, according to the Callatis museum and Wikipedia, by Esmahan Sultan, daughter of Sultan Selim II and wife of the grand vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha; the national list of historic monuments dates it to 1590. Stone from the walls of ancient Callatis went into the building, and the ritual fountain in the courtyard is made from the stones of a Roman tomb.
Around it lies a Muslim cemetery with graves more than 300 years old, also on the monuments list. The mosque was renovated in 1989 and rebuilt from its foundations in 2008, when the minaret, which had tilted badly, was brought back to its original form. It is used by Mangalia's Muslim community and is open to visitors.
Good to know
- Visit outside prayer times; visiting hours can shift around them.
- The marina is about 250 metres away, so you can combine the two on one walk.
- There is a small souvenir shop next to the mosque.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.