Mangalia, resort town in southeastern Romania, in Constanta County, on the Black Sea. On the north, it is bordered by the forest of Comorova, and on the south by the lake of Mangalia. The lake contains sulfurous hot springs, recommended for the treatment of chronic rheumatism, dermatoses, and other ailments. Many smaller resorts (Saturn, Neptun, Jupiter, Venus) have been developed north of Mangalia. In Neptun the main tourist attraction is the villa of former president Nicolae Ceausescu. Mangalia has port facilities and ship building is an important industry. A railroad links Mangalia with the other resort towns and with Bucharest, the Romanian capital. Mangalia is situated on the ruins of the ancient city of Callatis, founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC, and later part of the Roman Empire. Archaeological museums in the town display ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. During the 13th century, the town appeared on maps as Pangalia (or Pangala). It took its present name in 1593. Population (1992) 44,271.
