23 August combines coastal landscapes with a long history of settlement. Lake Tatlageac lies within the commune on the Black Sea; the beach and archaeological sites add further facets to the picture. A narrow strip of dunes lies between the lake and the sea, and the Constanța–Mangalia railway line also runs along it. If you are planning a trip focused on landscapes and culture, you will find a variety of points of interest here, each clearly distinguished by its location and history.
Lake, Sea and Beach
Lake Tatlageac is a fluvio-marine lagoon on the Black Sea, within the commune of 23 August in Constanța County. A strip of dunes about 80 m wide and about 2 m high separates the lake from the sea; the Constanța–Mangalia railway line runs along this strip. The combination of lake, dunes and sea shapes the destination's geographical setting.
A report from March 2024 describes 23 August Beach as mostly unspoilt and access to it as difficult. Road and beach conditions may change. Therefore, check the current situation before planning a beach visit.
Archaeological Sites by the Lake and Coast
The archaeological settlements are located at various points around the lake and coast. A Greek-Roman settlement lies on a small peninsula on the southwestern side of Lake Tatlageac; it dates from the 3rd century BC to the 6th century AD. A Hellenistic settlement is located on the seashore between the lake and the Black Sea.
A Roman settlement near 23 August lies on the northern shore of Lake Tatlageac and on the seashore; it dates from the 2nd to the 4th century AD. There is also a Roman-era settlement on the shore of the lake. The 23 August–Tatlageac archaeological site lies at the western end of the lake and includes settlement remains from the Roman and medieval periods, dated to the 8th to 10th centuries. These dates offer a glimpse into different historical periods, from Hellenistic and Greek-Roman settlements to medieval remains.
Monastery and Local Tradition
The Monastery of the Holy Hierarchs Nicholas and Bretanion stands on the shore of Lake Tatlageac, in the commune of 23 August. It was founded in 2003. Its main church is designed in Romanian architecture with Byzantine influence; its exterior decorations are made of natural stone and brick. With its foundation and the described architecture, the monastery provides a more recent historical landmark alongside the archaeological settlement remains.
Tatar wrestling, locally known as KureČ™, is also part of the commune's traditions. In 2018, KureČ™ was announced as part of the events for Commune Day on 25 August.
Location for Trip Planning
The village of 23 August is 30 km from Constanța, on the DN 39 between Constanța and Mangalia. If you choose 23 August as your destination, this road location provides a specific geographical reference for further planning.
Discover more destinations: Agigea, Venus, Sibioara, Techirghiol, 2 Mai, CostineĹźti, Valu lui Traian, Tuzla
For the main travel overview: Constanta.
