The Casino in Slănic Moldova (the Royal Casino), a priceless historic architectural gem that is set to be brought back to life soon
It has been a year since the Royal Casino in Slănic Moldova came under new ownership and has been undergoing restoration. When this landmark is completed and reopens to the public, it will serve as a gateway to the past for all visitors. We are delighted that this architectural gem will reclaim its well-deserved place among the must-see landmarks in Slănic Moldova and Romania and will contribute to the development of tourism in the area. Let’s not forget that members of the Royal Family and aristocrats of that era used to enjoy themselves here. Let’s explore the story of this wonderful place.
Slănic Moldova Casino
The casino in Slănic Moldova was the first casino in Romania
The casino was built in the Art Nouveau style between 1892 and 1894 at the initiative of the Royal House of Romania, with craftsmen from Italy and the Slănic Valley working on the project. The architect who designed this architectural gem was the renowned Iași-based architect George Sterian. So, the first casino in Romania was not the one in Constanța but this one, here in Slănic Moldova.
A Brief History of the Slănic Moldova Casino
The Slănic Moldova Casino was built at a time when Romanian spa resorts were beginning to be developed along the lines of major European resorts, and it was compared to famous European destinations such as Karlovy Vary and Vichy, thanks to its well-known and highly regarded mineral springs. The formula was classic and successful: people came here for treatments, fresh air, elegant strolls, and social life. In this setting, the casino was not just a place of entertainment, but the center of a refined world.
The casino was built during the reign of King Carol I, and in many period images, the building appears under the name “Casino Regal.” The king supported the development of Romanian resorts modeled after those abroad, and Slănic Moldova was seen as one of the country’s spa gems. The casino was intended to lend the resort prestige, elegance, and a European flair.
The Architecture of the Slănic Moldova Casino
As mentioned earlier, the building was constructed by Italian stonemasons and craftsmen from the Slănic Valley, based on the plans of architects George Sterian, H. Rick, and Nicolae Ghica-Budești. Its Art Nouveau style lends it a distinctive elegance. The façade, the symmetrical towers, and the decorative details make the casino a building that immediately catches the eye, even today.
The structure is imposing, laid out horizontally, with two symmetrical towers and side wings connected by covered corridors, and covers approximately 2,000 square meters, with a land area of 5,288 square meters.
The main body consists of the auditorium, featuring a stage, foyer, boxes, and adjacent VIP rooms, with a seating capacity of 420 seats upholstered in velvet, lending a unique character to the entire complex. The boxes, the lace-like arches, the ceiling decorations, and the glass skylight gave the space the air of an elegant theater. Even though not all the original elements have been preserved, the building still conveys some of the charm of the times when resorts were places of elegance and long conversations.
It is not a building that impresses with its height, but rather with its proportions, balance, and atmosphere. It has the air of a vacation palace, built in a resort where people came to heal, but also to be seen.
The Casino in Slănic Moldova During the Communist Era
Until 1948, the casino was one of the major attractions of the Slănic Moldova resort. After the change in political regime, its function changed completely. The games and casino atmosphere disappeared, and the building was transformed into a community center, performance hall, public library, art gallery, and space for various public activities.
In essence, the Slănic Moldova Casino transitioned from an era of elegance, luxury, and good cheer to an era in which it was viewed as the “decadent” symbol of “imperialist capitalism.” It remained frozen in time for several decades until the building underwent restoration work in the 1980s. Then, between 1994 and 1995, it was renovated once again.
About the Slănic Moldova Casino Today
A unique building, a local landmark with a history spanning over 130 years, is not easy to bring back to life. It requires investment, care, appropriate use, and respect for the past. You cannot treat such a property like just any building, because every room, every corner, and every detail bears traces of the resort’s history.
On May 26, 2025, the building was purchased by Bogdan Șova, a local businessman in the tourism industry and owner of the Panoramic tourist complex, located near the Casino in Slănic Moldova. Mr. Șova bought the building from a company owned by the Ganea family; the price of the transaction is unknown.
In an interview with the Union of Professional Journalists of Romania last May, Mr. Șova said: “For me, the Casino is not a commodity. It is a symbol and deserves to be treated with the utmost respect.” <<…>> “The plan is for this symbol to become a vibrant place once again—a space where people, culture, emotion, and elegance come together. I want it to be a landmark again, not just for tourists, but also for the local community, which deserves to reclaim this symbol.”
In the same interview, Mr. Șova also says that: “In the first phase, we want to reopen the area facing Central Park—a spacious area, ideal for relaxation, socializing, and daytime events. There we will set up an elegant brasserie, a playground for children, and, possibly, an area dedicated to young artists. We want the terrace to become a bright, friendly, and lively place where locals and tourists feel truly welcome.”
Regarding the possibility of actually operating a real live casino there, Mr. Șova says: “We are also exploring the possibility of partnering with an international live casino chain to bring back the charm of yesteryear—in an elegant, controlled manner that is adapted to the current context.”
It is encouraging that there are private investors willing to actively get involved in restoring the beauty of this superb location, putting up capital and taking risks so that this property can be returned to the community. Even more encouraging is the idea of having a live casino here in the future, especially given the taxes that have been excessively increased by Romanian state authorities in recent years, a situation that has left our country with only a few valid live casino licenses remaining.
We hope this magnificent building will be restored to its former glory as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In recent years, it seems we’ve started to take better care of our heritage, so the fact that this casino—or the one in Constanța—is regaining its former glory gives us hope that something will change in the Romanian mindset regarding this way of spending free time and having fun. The casino in Slănic Moldova also has a beautiful story to tell; it’s not just about architectural symbolism—it tells a story about life and modernity, about open minds and education. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to see how people of that era lived and how they viewed casinos, so we can understand once and for all that there’s nothing wrong with having fun if you know how to do it with style.
Sources: Facebook/Cazinoul-din-Slanic-Moldova, uzpr.ro, casinoregal.ro, wikipedia, blog.remax.ro
