The Mircea cel Bătrân National College (Colegiul Național Mircea cel Bătrân) is a historic secondary school in Constanța, founded in 1896 as the city’s first Romanian-language gymnasium.
The school developed into a state high school in the early 20th century, but for many years operated from inadequate premises. Construction of its present building began in 1923 after the municipality donated land for a purpose-built campus. Designed by architect N. Stănescu, the complex was funded through contributions from the state, Constanța municipality, other Dobrogean communities and private donors. Part of the new building opened for classes in October 1928, with the remaining pupils moving in by 1930 as construction continued.
The large school complex originally included classrooms, administrative spaces, accommodation for the director and staff, and its own assembly and performance hall. That former hall later became the present Oleg Danovski National Opera and Ballet Theater, while additional school wings were added as the college expanded.
During the Second World War and its aftermath, the building was taken over for military use and was occupied by Soviet forces from 1945 until 1958. After their withdrawal, it returned to the school, which has continued to occupy the historic complex while later additions expanded the available teaching space.
