Conacul Kogălniceanu

Built in 1885, the mansion located on Aleea Mărgăritarelor, at number 16, in the town of Murfatlar, represents the most valuable noble residence in Dobrogea before the outbreak of World War I. At the same time, this building is considered one of the oldest modern civil buildings in the entire province that has been preserved to this day.

The property came into the possession of Mihail Kogălniceanu, who purchased it from a former owner of Turkish origin, named Hagi Mehmet Aralam. After the purchase, Mihail Kogălniceanu transformed the building into a family residence. Later, it was also inhabited by his son, Vasile Kogălniceanu, who held the position of domain inspector in Dobrogea, and was later appointed administrator of the Mangalia estate.

The mansion consists of a basement, ground floor and first floor, plus a belvedere tower, a unique architectural element among the civil constructions built in Dobrogea until 1914. Although the architectural style of the building is eclectic, it is strongly influenced by Moorish architecture. This is especially visible in the entrance area, characterized by a sumptuous, arched shape, decorated with multiple elements specific to this style. Among the most valuable early Moorish details in Romania are the crenellated pediment and the belvedere tower. Also, the house's hardware, dating from the last decades of the 19th century, is preserved in its original form.

Sursa: heritageconstanta.com