Review of the best sights of Crimea

Arriving to rest in Crimea, it is simply impossible to sit in one place or spend all the time on the beach. If you explore all the sights of this peninsula, it will take more than a month. From the article you will learn about the most basic and popular among tourists.

First of all, I would like to note the Swallow's Nest. A small castle, built on a cliff face, mesmerizes with its beauty and seems to soar at a height of 40 meters from the ground. The Gothic style gives mystery, it seems that ghosts live there. The castle was built in 1912, but it seems that several centuries ago.

The German oil industrialist Baron von Steingel preferred to make it in such a style that this castle would remind him of his native places. In addition to the castle, a garden was also constructed. The construction was entrusted to Leonid Sherwood, a famous architect of those times. The castle itself was only 12 meters high and contained a living room, a small entrance hall and 2 bedrooms in a two-story tower.

During the First World War, the owner was forced to urgently sell the castle and leave, after which this magnificent building changed its purpose and owners several times. The new owner, the merchant Shelaputin, opened a restaurant here in 1914. And after the 1917 revolution, the castle passed into the possession of the State Farm Administration, and a reading room was located there.

After an earthquake in 1927, the garden and part of the castle collapsed, but the building was not badly damaged. The restoration work slightly changed the appearance of the building, but this did not make the castle less attractive. In the early 2000s, a restaurant was reopened there, and in 2011 the castle became a museum where various exhibitions are held. Later, the palace became a cultural heritage site. This status was awarded to him in 2015.

The very name of the Swallow's Nest was given to the palace by the Moscow merchant Rokhmanina, who acquired the building from the widow of A.K. Tobin. All that is known about him is that he was the physician of Alexander III. It was a small hut-type house. Rokhmanina ordered to demolish the old building and build a new castle from wood.

Of course, like all castles, this one has its own legend, which the locals love to tell tourists. This is an incredibly romantic love story of the god of the sea, Poseidon, to the beautiful goddess Aurora. Only Aurora did not reciprocate, then Poseidon decided to make for her a beautiful tiara of shells and pearls as a gift and, imperceptibly sneaking up to Aurora, put it on her head. To work out unnoticed, Poseidon asked the god of wind, Aeolus, to cast clouds.

At the most crucial moment, sneaking up, Poseidon missed because of the darkness, and the gift fell into a crevice between the rocks. And when the clouds scattered, a ray of the sun hit the place where the diadem fell, it sparkled and turned into a castle.

The image of this palace was decorated with banknotes of several denominations. These were gold and silver coins of Ukraine, Russia, Poland and a paper hundred-ruble note. In addition, the filmmakers did not disregard the wonderful structure. In addition to the most famous film "Ten Little Indians", filmed in this castle, there were also filming of such films as:

• "Mio, my Mio";
• "The journey of Pan Klyaksa";
• "Blue bird";
• "Police Story 4" starring Jackie Chan.

To visit the museum, you need to climb a staircase of 1200 steps that leads from the track to the castle. A visit to this museum is paid, in the region of 200 rubles for adults and 100 rubles for children, but you can visit the observation deck for free, enjoy the view and take great photos for memory.

The Livadia Palace is located near Yalta, just 3 kilometers away. The name Livadia is translated from Greek as "lawn". This palace was the private property of the Romanov dynasty. Emperor Nicholas II, who was looking for a cozy place on the coast of Crimea, so that this mild climate would help his wife recover, ordered to build it on the site of an estate belonging to Prince of Polotsk. This was done by the architect Monighetti, and it took more than 5 years to build.

When the snow-white palace was erected in 1866, everyone who came to visit the Romanovs was delighted with it. It was so organically integrated into the local landscape and subtropical nature. The building is located so that it is illuminated by the sun from all sides. In addition, the appearance of this residence in the vicinity of Yalta gave the city a new impetus in the development of the economy.

The infrastructure and the transformation of the city improved more and more, by 1890 Yalta was equated with the best resorts in Europe. After the revolution, the palace was plundered, paintings and art objects were taken out in whole collections. In 1925, the government organizes the world's first peasant sanatorium, which lasted until World War II. The Great Patriotic War did not spare Levadia and caused serious damage. In February 1945, the heads of the most majestic powers gather in the palace:

• Winston Churchill (England);
• Franklin Roosevelt (USA);
• Joseph Stalin (Russia).

And this world event in history is commemorated as the Yalta or Crimean conference.Further, the Livadia Palace becomes a party dacha, and after 8 years Stalin gave it to trade union organizations, and the castle was turned into a sanatorium. And in the early 90s of the last century, they made it a museum, collecting bit by bit what was lost and restoring the previous appearance of the palace. The interior decoration of the rooms is of high value.

After the destruction in the Great Patriotic War, few buildings remained in their original form, one of them is the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross. This is a small one-domed building with large arched windows, designed only for the royal family and the immediate environment. A belfry with 6 bells and a marble column inscribed with Arabic and Turkish characters were built nearby.

In addition to the courtyard, the territory surrounding the palace delights in indescribable delight. Here you can not only admire panoramic views, but also feel as if you have visited different countries of the world. This feeling is created by plants brought from all over the world. The gardeners did their best and created the most beautiful ensembles of plants, which perfectly took root in this warm climate.

Massandra Palace is located on the territory of a mountain-forest reserve in Alupka. The architecture resembles the French Versailles, which is why the palace is called by the common people a mini-Versailles in the Crimea. The construction of the Massandra Palace was completed after the death of Alexander III, and his son Nicholas II stayed there for a very short time, only with the aim of resting after the hunt.

No one has ever spent the night in the palace of the august persons, but in those days, now the cleanliness of the premises is maintained at a high level, as if they were still waiting for the arrival of the sovereign. In the early 90s of the last century, this palace was turned into a museum, where you can contemplate the authentic things of the royal family of Alexander III, some of them were returned from the Winter Palace.

Vorontsov Palace is one of the most popular attractions of the Crimean Peninsula. The palace is located in a picturesque place at the foot of Mount Ai-Petri. It had been under construction for 20 years for Count M.S.Vorontsov. The architects F. Borough and T. Harrison began construction, but after the sudden death of the latter, the English architect E. Blore took up the design.

The canteen building was erected first, and the construction ended with a library. Simultaneously with the construction of the building, massive work was carried out to improve the area around. This was done by K. A. Kebakh. The palace park amazes with its splendor and variety of plant species. When creating the swan lake, about 20 bags of semi-precious stones were poured to the bottom so that in the light of the sun the water sparkled and shimmered with a rainbow color.

It is here that the sculptures of lions by the great Italian sculptor Giovanni Bonnani are located. Walking through the territory, you feel like in a fairy tale. Many turrets, battlements, high stone walls and the southern facade immerse you in the atmosphere of an oriental fairy tale, where a princess surrounded by her retinue is about to come out onto the balcony.

The world famous Khan's palace is located in Bakhchisarai. Construction began in the 16th century, simultaneously with the city itself. The mosque is the oldest, the date of the beginning of its construction goes back to 1532. Bakhchisarai in translation means "palace-garden". The main idea was to create a paradise on earth, with wonderful gardens, shady tall trees, beautiful palaces.

Alexander Pushkin glorified this palace in his poem "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai", which was dedicated to the khan's love for his concubine. The story of the fountain of tears is not fiction.Pushkin was inspired and wrote his masterpiece after he learned the beautiful story of the emergence of the fountain. Further, the music for the ballet with the same name was written, and now the Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai is known throughout the world.

Chekhov's dacha is a place often visited by tourists. In the last years of his life, A.P. Chekhov preferred peace and quiet. Previously, it was his favorite vacation spot. The dacha is located in the picturesque bay of Gurzuf, recognized as a monument and a branch of the Yalta Chekhov Museum. After the death of the writer, the dacha went to his wife O. Knipper, who spent every summer in this secluded, quiet place.

Later, the artist bought the house and after a while transferred it to the Art Fund. Chekhov's dacha was restored and preserved as much of its historical appearance as possible. Now the museum is open and accepts all comers, where you can see authentic things belonging to the great writer and his wife, including copies of the manuscript of the famous play "Three Sisters". In other rooms, there are exhibitions dedicated to the production of the play "Three Sisters":

• costumes;
• theater programs;
• decorations and props;
• photographs with artists;
• letters, archives, sketches, known and unknown portraits of Chekhov.

In order to get to know the Crimean peninsula better, you can take a number of excursions to historical sites. Crimea has always been desirable for conquerors due to its favorable mild climate. At different times, cultural figures from different countries lived and worked here, each of which left its mark on the cultural heritage.

Having visited the Genoese fortress in the city of Sudak, you will witness the unfolding tournament battles of the Middle Ages. You can change into knightly armor for a fee and take part in the battle. Within the walls of this fortress you will see the consular castle, the mosque-temple, twelve towers, the temple of the twelve apostles, barracks, warehouses and walls of the fortress, which, curling like a serpentine, goes into the rocks.

The city of Sudak is considered one of the best places for recreation. It is located in a bay between two rocks, thanks to which the beaches are protected from wind, bad weather and waves, and the swimming season in this place is the longest. Instead of the usual sand, quartz sand lies on the beaches of the city of Sudak.

Cave cities are an amazing attraction, since in the Middle Ages, these caves were created by hand by people to protect them from the raids of ill-wishers and invaders. In the cave cities you can see cave monasteries, temples with painted walls, residential caves. All cave cities are located in the Bakhchisarai region. The main ones are:

• Chufut-Kale;
• Mangup-Kale;
• Eski-Kermen;
• Bakla.

Chersonesus Tauric is the name of an ancient city founded in the 5th century by the Greeks. Archaeological finds have been conducted since the 19th century, and to this day archaeologists find artifacts confirming that the city in ancient times was a rich center of trade, crafts and culture.

Fortress Kerch was built to strengthen the southern border of the Russian Empire. Under the terms of the Paris Peace Treaty, Russia was prohibited from having a fleet in the Black Sea, since it was declared a neutral territory. But the construction of the fortress did not contradict the conditions, and in 1856 the construction of the fortress began. Alexander II, who followed the construction, was pleased with the fortification. In Soviet times, this fortress was used as an ammunition depot, and after the collapse of the USSR it was transferred to the possession of the Kerch Historical and Cultural Reserve. The state protects the fortress as a historical monument.

Arriving in Crimea, you should definitely visit and see the sights and places of military glory.One of these is the famous museum near Kerch, created on the site of a former quarry - Adzhimushkay quarries. The museum is located underground, but you will not miss it; a large monument to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War will serve as a pointer.

Here people lived and defended themselves during the war, holding back the German troops as best they could. The conditions were more than inhuman, along with hunger and lack of water, the Nazis blew up mines, arranged landslides and let out smoke bombs to smoke people. Of the ten thousand invaders who descended into the quarry, several hundred people survived.

The Assumption Cave Monastery annually attracts crowds of tourists due to its unusual location; it is carved into the rock in the Maria Gorge. It was built here mainly because an icon of the Mother of God was found on this site. Each time, when the icon was removed from the cave, in the end, in some miraculous way, it returned back.

The monastery survived many battles, miraculously survived after the Turkish raids. There was a hospital there during the Crimean War. The remains of fighters from many eras, from the Crimean War to the Great Patriotic War, are buried on the territory of the monastery. And on the wall along one side of the stairs leading to the monastery, you can see decorative miniatures of all the shrines with a handful of the land where they are located.

Foros Church was built on a steep cliff, towering 412 meters above sea level. This is a Byzantine-style building with a cross-domed layout and rich interior decoration. Frescoes, mosaics and stained glass windows adorn the inside of the church. It was built to commemorate the salvation of the royal family during a train wreck in 1888.

St. George Monastery is located on Cape Fiolent. It was formed, as the belief goes, by the ancient Greeks, who miraculously washed ashore during a terrible storm, bringing prayers to St. George. After their rescue, they erected a cross from branches, and later a monastery was founded here.

One of the cultural attractions is the Aivazovsky Art Gallery. This great artist became famous during his lifetime, and until now the glory has not faded. This gallery is located in the city of Feodosia, where the artist was born. Aivazovsky himself opened an exhibition of his paintings right at home, so it is not surprising that the largest number of canvases has been collected here.

In addition to paintings, you can see the artist's personal belongings here. Tourist excursions are held around the gallery, where interesting facts from the life of the great artist are told in detail.

From modern entertainment, you can go to the Bakhchisarai Park of Miniatures. This is one of three similar parks in Crimea and is the largest. Here you can see miniatures of all architectural structures on a scale of 1: 25. Seventy plastic exhibits in all proportions will impress with their jewelry work.

It will be interesting and exciting for adults and children to go to a museum stylized as a medieval ship. There you can look at ancient coins, items found in the sea, personal belongings of sailors. It is also entertaining to listen to the history of the origin of piracy.

The zoo, located in the city of Yalta, will not leave visitors indifferent. It contains about 120 species of various animals and birds, which can be fed with food purchased at the central entrance to the zoo.

Another favorite place for tourists. Accommodates more than 800 spectators who want to watch the performance of seals, dolphins, white whales and sea lions.

This is a marble cave, striking the imagination with its fabulousness. Visitors feel in it as in the halls of dwarfs. Huge halls, corridors, stalactites and stone flowers, all this made the cave a very visited attraction on the Crimean peninsula.

There are also attractions for children and adults. This is the only water park in Crimea with a view of the Crimean mountains. Many different pools with sea water and extreme slides, cafes and a volleyball court, here is truly a paradise, and everyone will find entertainment to their liking.

Another visited place in Yalta is the Upside Down House. It is a building of 50 square meters, 2 floors, a garage with a parked car. It will take 15 minutes to see it completely, but numerous photos will take much more time. Everyone wants to capture themselves in such an unusual setting.

There is a rose greenhouse with more than a hundred varieties, tropical butterflies, ancient trees, a pool with lotuses and many other plants, the variety of which will pleasantly surprise you.

The aquarium, located in the city of Alushta, has more than 250 marine inhabitants. It is simply impossible to pass by this structure, since its form this modern building resembles a futuristic spaceship.

The territory has more than 30 hectares, more than 80 species of fauna are represented here. Here the animals are in their natural habitat. It is proposed to move around such a large territory by electric vehicles; there is also a hotel and a cafe on the territory.

Consider the places that you should definitely visit when going on a trip to the Crimean peninsula. You will see the unique, amazing and unusual beauty of nature, which will take your breath away.

The mountain got its name in honor of the temple of St. Peter (in Greek Ai-Petri), the ruins of which have survived to this day. The mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations. The longest cable car in Europe leads to the top. From a height of 1346 meters, a panorama opens up overlooking the coast and the mountain-forest reserve of Yalta.

Located in the southeastern part of the peninsula, not far from Feodosia. It is famous for its flora and fauna, many of which are listed in the Red Book, as well as a volcano that went extinct 150 million years ago and formed an unusual landscape of solidified lava flows. The reserve is large enough, and for those who want to take a closer look, there are hotels on the territory.

You can use the services of a guide who, in addition to the most popular places, will show you unknown paths. In addition, you can visit the reserve not only on land, but also by water. Many boats and motor ships come here from different cities of the peninsula. The view is simply stunning.

It is located in the southern part of Crimea, dividing Alushta and Yalta. Height 577 meters. It has a diverse nature and fauna. Every now and then you will come across outlandish plants, which you have never seen before. Some of them are included in the Red Book, so it is worth treating the flora with respect. The mountain is also famous for the ruins of ancient settlements.

It is located 7 kilometers from Yalta on one of the trails when climbing Mount Ai-Petri and is the largest waterfall on the peninsula. The height reaches almost 100 meters. Only in the hot summer months is there a chance not to see its beauty, as it dries up due to the heat.

It is considered the most picturesque in Crimea. Its height is about 15 meters, and stones are crumbling along with the water, so it will not be possible to swim under it. And besides, the water in it is icy, so you hardly want to plunge into it.

This is the name of the mountain, which is actually a plateau that stretches for several kilometers along the Black Sea coast. Translated from the Tatar language means "blacksmith". Located near the city of Alushta. It is famous for its huge stone pillars.

The rock has its own history. In the Middle Ages, people were executed there, throwing them off a sheer cliff. In the caves of Ak-Kai, robbers hid the stolen treasures. Many famous generals on this mountain took the oath. Archaeologists have found here the remains of a mammoth and sites of ancient people. In appearance, the rock resembles the American Grand Canyon, only white. The height is 100 meters.

Having visited the Crimean peninsula, you can compile an impressive list of free natural hospitals. Estuaries are salt lakes with curative mud. Having visited such a "bath of youth", you will be satisfied with the smoothness of your skin. Such a procedure is able to remove cellulite, tighten flabby skin, give it elasticity, relieve skin rashes and allergies, and promote rapid healing of small wounds. For women, it will be useful for the treatment of diseases and inflammation of the pelvic organs, and also helps with infertility.

In addition, there are still active mud volcanoes called Jau Tepe. There are 7 of them in total, they are located in the village of Vulkanovka, in the eastern part of the peninsula. Their healing mud is also full of various beneficial minerals that help heal many diseases.

It is worth warning that in some salt lakes, despite the fact that there is a high concentration of salt, small crustaceans live. Their size is only about a centimeter, but when a person is immersed in water, they begin to bite. At first, you may not understand and think that the skin is tingling with salt, but keep in mind that some lakes are not "dead".

It can be said without exaggeration that this is the most picturesque, most fertile and greenest valley of the peninsula. The period of education is Jurassic. The Baydarskaya Valley is one of the places where there are still nooks untouched by man.

It got its name from the village of Baydary, which translated from Turkic means "healer" or "herbalist". Local places are full of medicinal herbs. Located in the south of Crimea, the area is about 28 thousand square kilometers. Above sea level, it is located at an altitude of 200-300 meters. The Chernaya River flows in the valley, and the Chernorechenskoye reservoir is a strategic object, which is surrounded by a fence, since it supplies water to many large Crimean cities and villages.

The air is considered the cleanest, because there is no harmful industrial waste. In spring and autumn, the Baydar Valley turns into a continuous cascade of waterfalls, and in winter tourists book cottages to celebrate the New Year. It is worth starting in September, otherwise there will be no places left.

If you want to go to Crimea and at the same time dive with scuba diving, then you have a way to Cape Tarkhankut. Fans of diving, surfing and just a beach holiday will appreciate this place, here, perhaps, the clearest water on the entire coast.Films such as "Amphibian Man" and "Pirates of the 20th Century" were filmed in the Atlesh tract located on the cape.

Magnificent natural pools, caves, grottoes, a through tunnel with a length of 98 meters, there is something to see here. Lovers are invited to go and jump, without opening their hands, into the "cup of love." If it works out, then according to legend, the couple will be happy together for the rest of their lives.

Any of these attractions can be reached by route taxis and buses at the addresses indicated in the guide. In Crimea, there are many excursions for every taste, everyone can choose for themselves a whole list of memorable places that they want to visit.

For an overview of Crimea's attractions, see the next video.