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Once considered to be the country's very own Monte Carlo, abandoned remains are now all that's left of Romania's majestic Casino Constanta.
Perched on a cliffside overlooking the Black Sea, the impressive structure's art deco shapes and details are still in tact despite having shuttered decades ago.
Maintaining the massive structure was simply too expensive, so after passing hands several times over the years, it finally closed in 1990.
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Romania's Casino Constanta was once considered to be the country's very own Monte Carlo
Despite being abandoned in 1990, the structure's art deco details, like its shell windows, are still in tact
French photographer Romain Veillon was inspired by its derelict beauty after stumbling upon Casino Con stanta while visiting the Eastern European country.
First commissioned by King Carol I, the casino was originally built between 1904 and 1910 by a Romanian architect called Petre Antonescu.
He initially hoped to pay homage to the country's artistic traditions, but scrapped those plans to instead erect an Art Nouveau palace for the Belle Epoque.
All details were considered, right down to the unique shell-shaped windows and 18th century Baroque accents.
Conceived of as an Art Nouveau palace, the casino has many impressive hanging chandeliers
Several grand ballrooms, complete with intricate wall designs and stunning ceiling accents, can be found
A sweeping staircase would greet the wealthy as they entered the casino during its glory days
The structure was first commissioned by King Carol I in 1990 and was built between 1904 and 1910
Massive windows offer stunning views from the building's coveted cliffside position overlooking the Black Sea
After its opening in 1910, the building came to be a symbol of the important seaside town
The casino eventually came to be a symbol of the seaside city and a similar building was built in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
Located in what was once Romania's most important port, the casino proved to be a major attraction for Europe's royalty and elite and became a preferred destination of those who used to frequent the French Riviera.
However, difficult circumstances in the country over the 20th century saw the casino pass hands several times - and eventually fall into disrepair.
Many of Europe's royal families and other elites frequented Casino Constanta instead of the French Riviera
The building was so beloved, in fact, that a twin structure was eventually erected in Monaco
The majestic building saw many reincarnations and passed hands many times before closing in 1990
French photographer Romain Veillon was inspired after stumbling upon the casino while on holiday
The building, which also served as a hospital and restau rant, ultimately proved too expensive to maintain
Since then, there have been occasional efforts at restoration, but the building has remained closed
Although the casino is owned by the Constanta Municipality, authorities do little to keep the public out
Many tourists visit the Romanian city for a glimpse inside the impressive structure despite it being closed
According to reports, the European Union pledged €10million in 2013 for renovation efforts
Renovation work is reportedly expected to begin on the structure in the fall of 2015
Inside, pieces of broken wood and other pieces of rubbish litter the floors and block doorways
It was briefly used as a hospital during World War II and during the communist regime was repurposed as a restaurant.
The building was formally and finally closed in 1990.
Since then, there have been several attempts at restoration but has remained abandoned, though authorities haven't made much effort to keep the public out.
Currently owned by the Constanta Municipality, according to Messy Nessy Chic, the European Union reportedly granted €10million in 2013 to a proposed restoration plan, with renovations expected to begin in the fall of 2015.
Source: All bets are off: Inside the haunting remains of Romania's crumbling ghost casino
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