Overview of the sights of Alupka in Crimea
The Crimean peninsula is a favorite vacation spot for tourists from all over the world. Among the many places that are recommended to visit in Crimea, Alupka should be distinguished. The resort attracts with a large number of attractions, beaches and beautiful seascapes.
A bit of history
Alupka is a modern resort on the southern coast of the peninsula, is one of the oldest settlements with a long history. Ancient writings indicate that the city was founded in 960. In those days, the settlement was called Alubika. Later, in the XIV-XV centuries. On the territory of modern Alupka, a Genoese stronghold was created, which was called Lupiko.
Several centuries later, the entire peninsula became part of the Russian Empire, the city of Alupka for some time belonged to Prince Potemkin, and then passed into the possession of the Vorontsovs. Previously, not every person could visit this most beautiful place of Crimea, because the resort was intended only for the wealthy nobility of that time.
Also, the history of the city is famous for the opening of the first sanatorium for children suffering from tuberculosis.
With the advent of Soviet power, Alupka officially acquired the status of a city on the peninsula; during this period, the area was actively built up with sanatoriums, of which there were more than two dozen. Also, they were actively involved in the opening of city hospitals, educational institutions, etc. Today the city attracts tourists from all over the world with its attractions, beaches and unique nature.
What to see in the city?
Over its centuries-old history, the city has acquired many historical monuments, testifying to different periods of the development of Alupka. So, without leaving its limits, you can visit the following interesting places.
Amet Khan Sultan Museum
Tourists who first come to Alupka are advised to visit the historical museum, opened in honor of the legendary pilot of the Soviet Union. The collected material in the buildings of the museum will demonstrate the unique history of the life of the Hero of the USSR.
Tasting room "Massandra"
In all descriptions and guidebooks for Alupka, this place will be in the list of the main sights of the city, which are worth visiting on vacation in Crimea. Tourists are invited to plunge into the time of Prince Vorontsov, who is the ancestor of wine production in this area. In addition to guided tours of the storage facilities, visitors have the opportunity to taste vintage grape drinks throughout the season.
You can also get acquainted with the history of the formation of winemaking in the Crimea.
Vorontsov (Alupka) Palace
The main attraction of the city, the construction of which took place during the time of tsarist Russia. The building was designed by the world famous English scientist, who never saw his creation with his own eyes. However, a building built in that era is a world masterpiece of construction and architecture to the present day. And today the architectural ensemble will not leave indifferent any visitor to the palace, which has long become a kind of visiting card of Alupka and the Crimean peninsula.
Vorontsovsky park
Another highly recommended place in the city. The park is a kind of continuation of the palace, since it surrounds it from all sides. In this place, visitors will be invited to enjoy the beauty of wildlife, as well as works of art created by human hands. The famous and very talented gardener K. Kebach worked on the garden project. combined into a single composition the Crimean flora and seedlings of plants brought from all over the world. The park is divided into two parts (Lower and Upper).
In the park, you can find no less picturesque artificial reservoirs that have some similarities with natural lakes.
The Naryshkins' estate
Another architectural landmark of the city, the construction of which was carried out in the 19th century. Today the family estate has been perfectly preserved, therefore it is open to visitors to the city and the peninsula. Since the structure outwardly resembles ancient castles, the attraction is of particular interest for photographs as a souvenir.
Temple of the Archangel Michael
The building dates back to the 20th century. The project of the temple belongs to Kh. V. Vasiliev. The structure has absorbed all the energy Byzantine architectural style. The construction was carried out exclusively at the expense of donations from the parishioners, so the work took a long time. Over the years, the temple suffered from an earthquake and looting. The architectural monument was not finally restored, however, it is still a functioning temple today.
Obelisk of brothers Govyrins
The obelisk museum was built in honor of the brave defenders of the Motherland, who, during the Nazi occupation, organized a partisan detachment, however, were taken prisoner and died.
Museum-apartment Kuindzhi
True admirers of painting should visit the landscape painter's dwelling. Indoors, you will be able to feel the atmosphere in which the master lived and worked, as well as see with your own eyes the landscapes that inspired the artist to write world-famous paintings.
Temple of Alexander Nevsky
Initially, the temple was a part of a spiritual and health complex; a five-domed temple was erected on the third floor. In pre-revolutionary Russia, the temple was used as a sanatorium for teachers of parish educational institutions. It did not exist for long, later all the property of the temple was confiscated.During the war years, the building was used as a military hospital; after the victory, a sanatorium was reopened in the building of the former hospital. At the end of the 20th century, the building was taken over by the church.
To this day, the boarding house of St. Luke of Crimea and the restored church function in it.
Museum of Crimean Tatar Culture
It was founded not so long ago. Initially, the visitors were offered pictures painted by Crimean Tatar artists. Over time, the gallery began to replenish with works relating to the history of the city, so now tourists have the opportunity to get acquainted not only with well-known canvases of artists, but also with ancient household items, products related to decorative art.
Pioneer park
The park was founded not so long ago, however, it is popular among vacationers and guests. In this place, a stele is installed, on which the names of the heroes are immortalized, who at the cost of their lives fought for the peaceful sky of their hometown. In addition, the park area is notable for green alleys and clean air. Through the park you can get to the sea.
Beaches
The beaches of Alupka will be no less interesting for vacationers. Almost all of them are stone and pebble. The following places are in special demand among tourists.
- Wild beach. It is located in the western part of Alupka, it is recommended for tourists avoiding unnecessary fuss. From this place, a beautiful view of the sea opens up, here you can comfortably sit on smooth stones and observe nature and the deserted embankment.
- Public beach. It is located in the center of Alupka, locals call it "Frog". This name is due to the presence of a large boulder on the beach, which looks similar to this amphibian.
- Vorontsov baths. Another beach within the city, which is divided into two parts by a large breakwater.
Interesting places in the surroundings
However, sights can be seen not only within the city. Among the interesting places located in the vicinity of Alupka are the following.
Memorial park
It is a masterpiece of 19th century landscape art. The area of this amazing place is more than 40 hectares, its extreme borders reach the Ai-Petri rocks. Among the features of the amazing park is noted the presence of more than 150 different types of plantsIn addition, tourists can view equally significant and unique architectural objects - fountains, columns, sculptures, etc.
Estate "Sofievka"
A picturesque building located in the village of Miskhor. A notable feature of the architectural monument is that the manor has been preserved in its original form to this day. The building project was invented by the architect K. Elishman. There is a park around the estate.
Fortress on Krestovaya Hill
It was built by the Romans; today, fragments of walls and buildings remain from the once mighty structure. The presence of a cross on the dais is also noteworthy. Initially, a wooden cross was installed on this place by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, but it has not survived to this day.
Shaan-Kai rock
An interesting place for lovers of active and extreme recreation. The rock is remarkable for its steep slope with a negative slope, which owes the origin of its name. For the first time these peaks were conquered by climbers in the middle of the last century. And today the rock is accessible for ascents and descents. Walking paths for climbing to the top are also open for tourists.
Aivazovsky rock
Many talented people, including artists, have visited Alupka throughout its centuries-old history. IK Aivazovsky was one of them. The rock itself is notable for the views from its top. In addition, the place is considered one of the best for romantic dates in Crimea.
Uchan-Su waterfall
On one of the slopes of Ai-Petri there is the highest waterfall of the peninsula, the height of which is about a hundred meters. However, it will not be possible to admire the beauty of the elements in the summer season, since the river of the same name, where the waterfall originates from, dries up during this period.
Mount Ai-Petri
The most popular place to visit for locals and guests of the peninsula. The mountain is remarkable for its peak, formed from the remains of a coral reef... In order to visit it, tourists have access to a funicular, the length of which is about 3.5 kilometers. You can also get to the mountain using the services of a taxi or a regular bus. There are regular walking tours to the summit with experienced guides. During the ascent, tourists can take a break in the village of Okhotnichy.
Horseback riding is available on Ai-Petri in summer, and skiing, sledding, and snowboarding in winter.
Popular entertainment
In addition to visiting the sights, Alupka offers its guests no less interesting pastime options. So, on the city beach and on the Green Cape beach, you can ride a tablet, water skiing, try on yourself other, no less interesting water sports. Fans of underwater sports are invited to go diving. Also, tourists can take boat trips.
No less interesting for vacationers will be water park, located near Simeiz, aboutthe main advantage of which is the use of exclusively sea water. Not only children, but also adults can have fun in the park. Also, those who wish can take part in bungee jumping, play beach volleyball.
There is guaranteed entertainment for every guest in Alupka, so fishing lovers will be able to go by boat to the "Rybkolkhoz", on the coast you can hunt for mussels and rapanas.
See the following video about the features of rest in Alupka.