List of attractions of Kerch in Crimea
It has been scientifically proven that Kerch is the most ancient city on the territory of the Russian Federation. The history of the city spans 26 centuries. In this regard, and even despite the fact that Kerch is not officially recognized as a resort, thousands of tourists come here every year to enjoy the cozy beaches, warm sea, beautiful landscapes, as well as get to know the history of our country better. Kerch has a great advantage in relation to other Crimean cities and in relation to the fact that it is the most eastern city of the peninsula. This means that it is the quickest and easiest to get to this settlement (especially if you are driving your own transport or car across the Crimean bridge).
What other features distinguish tourists in Kerch? What attractions should be seen and what beaches to visit? Read more about this in our material.
Main places of interest
Generally speaking, Kerch is a rather small provincial town. Its population is only 150,000 people. Nevertheless, there is everything you need for a fulfilling life and relaxation. Many tourists who have visited this city at least once refuse to exchange it for the resort Yalta or other cities on the southern coast of Crimea. Kerch is a real treasure of sights and interesting places. The main task of every tourist is to have time to see them all. Today, in our material, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the most popular places in Kerch.
Ancient settlement of Panticapaeum
Panticapaeum is an ancient Greek city that was founded in the 7th century BC.It is believed that at the peak of its heyday, the city was located on 100 hectares. The remains of an ancient settlement are located in the center of Kerch - on the top of Mount Mithridat. It should be noted that very few visible parts of Panticapaeum have survived to this day. However, at the time of its functioning, it was quite majestic and respected. So, Panticapaeum was surrounded by a system of stone fortifications, which were superior in power to the Athenian ones. In general, Apollo was considered the patron saint of the city. In honor of this god, an acropolis was erected on the territory of Panticapaeum. In addition, the settlement included a necropolis, which includes a whole network of mounds.
Today Panticapaeum is considered a cultural heritage site of federal significance.
Melek-Chesmensky mound
This attraction of Kerch is located at the central bus station of the city, so you definitely won't be able to miss it. The burial structure dates back to the 4th century BC. The name itself comes from the name of the river that flows nearby. "Melek-Chesme" translated from the Crimean Tatar means "source of the angel." Traditionally, this object, which in its essence is a burial structure, consists of 2 parts: a long corridor - a dromos and a burial chamber. This object is under the jurisdiction of the Kerch Historical and Cultural Reserve.
Mirmekiy
Kerch is rich in sights that belong to the ancient period of the existence and functioning of the peninsula. One of these is the city of Mirmeki, which was founded in the 6th century BC. In ancient times, the population of Mirmekia lived in dugouts by the sea. It should be noted that the history of the city is quite tragic: it has experienced fires and other emergencies more than once, which is why it was destroyed.
Today, the remains of ancient Mirmekia can be seen at the stop of the Kerch public transport "Kazakova".
Tiritaka
Tiritaka is another ancient Greek settlement, which was created in the 6th century BC on the territory of the Kerch Peninsula. Tiritaka was an integral part of the Bosporus kingdom. The city has a rather long and interesting history. It was this fact that attracted a huge number of scientists and archaeologists from all over the world to the excavations of the ancient city. An ancient Greek settlement is located in the city microdistrict Arshintsevo. You should get to the stop of public transport "ZhRK" and go behind the technological college.
Church of St. John the Baptist
The specified Orthodox Church is located in the very center of the city of Kerch on Lenin Square. Religious sources link the existence of this temple with two holy apostles: Andrew the First-Called and Simon the Canaanite. The Church of St. John the Baptist consists of 2 parts: one of them is a truly ancient building of the 6th century, and the other was built in the 19th century. In fact, this temple is a monument of Byzantine architectural art during the reign of Justinian.
Today, this church plays the role of not only an ancient architectural monument - it is also a fully functioning Orthodox church, where traditional rituals and services are held.
Mount Mithridates and the great staircase of Mithridates
Mount Mithridat, located in the very center of the city of Kerch, is a hill 90 meters high. The specified place is named after the famous Pontic king. On the top of Mount Mithridates is the Obelisk of Glory, which was installed in honor of the soldiers and heroes who conquered the city during the Great Patriotic War. In order to climb to the top of the mountain, it is necessary to climb the great Mithridat stairs. It should be noted that this landmark is not a "frozen" historical monument.Every year, a variety of commemorative rallies are held here, as well as events dedicated to the memory of those killed during the Second World War.
This list of Kerch attractions is not exhaustive. In fact, there are many more interesting and unusual places in the city. In order to get to know everyone, many tourists who have been to the city are advised to resort to the services of guides who will not only show, but also tell you about the history and culture of the city.
Beaches worth visiting
However, people come to Crimea and, in particular, to Kerch not only to see the sights and go on excursions. Visiting the beaches is an integral part of a summer vacation on the peninsula. We will get acquainted with a detailed description of the popular Kerch beaches below.
City Beach
The city beach, which is located almost on the outskirts of the city, is one of the best equipped. So, here you will find all the benefits of civilization necessary for a full and comfortable rest: umbrellas, sun beds, attractions, shops and cafes. Relaxation on the city beach will appeal to both adults and children. The former will be able to enjoy the warm sunbeams to the sound of the surf, while the latter will happily jump on trampolines or ride the rides. If you move a little away from the central part of the beach, then you can enjoy a quieter and almost wild vacation. Indeed, on the territory of the Kerch city beach, you can find places that will not be filled with tourists.
Turtle
This beach is located in the area of the Pioneers Palace stop. Generally speaking, this place is not intended for swimming. That is why the locals have organized a so-called picnic area here. So, on the territory of "Turtle" you can find barbecues and benches, as well as a playground. This zone becomes crowded already in mid-April and becomes empty only by October.
Arshintsevsky beach
As you might guess from the name, this beach is located in the Arshintsevo microdistrict. It is not as well equipped as the central city beach, but it also has its advantages. So, on the territory of Arshintsevsky beach you will find barbecues. Moreover, it is not as crowded as the city one. Residents of the Arshintsevo district prefer to visit this particular recreation area, because in order to get to the city beach it is necessary to use public transport services, which is not always comfortable in hot summer weather.
Thus, every tourist can find a place for rest, depending on individual preferences, as well as the area of residence.
What to see in the vicinity?
In addition to the main sights of the city, which were described above, in the vicinity of Kerch there are also several interesting places that deserve your attention. Let's consider them in more detail.
Tsar's mound
In essence, the Tsarsky Kurgan is a monument of ancient architecture. It is the tomb of one of the rulers of the ancient Bosporus kingdom that existed on the territory of modern Crimea. This attraction is located in the village of Adzhimushkai near Kerch, you can go to it by car or bus. The height of the mound of this mound is about 17 meters, and under it you can find a corridor 36 meters long and an immediate burial chamber. Interesting fact. Tsarsky Kurgan is a landmark that is known all over the world. For example, this object is depicted in a painting entitled "The Tomb of Mithridates" by the famous Swiss artist Carlo Bossoli.
Yenikale fortress
In the vicinity of Kerch you can see a fortification - the Yenikale fortress. Translated from the Crimean Tatar language, this name means the phrase "new fortress". The building was built at the beginning of the 18th century on the initiative of the Turks, who sought to establish their rule over the Black and Azov Seas. During the years of its existence, the fortress was a rather powerful and large-scale structure, but to this day, unfortunately, only particles of its former greatness have remained. Nevertheless, the Yenikale fortress is still quite an important cultural and historical site of Kerch, which attracts tourists and vacationers.
Chokrak
Chokrak is a salty mud lake located in the vicinity of the hero-city of Kerch. Translated from the Crimean Tatar name of this object means "spring". In fact, Chokrak is one of the most famous and visited sights of the Kerch Peninsula, since it is believed that the mud of this lake has medicinal properties and can have a positive effect on the human body.
Adzhimushkay quarries
This building is a silent witness to the bullying of the German fascist invaders over the Soviet people. It should be noted right away that visiting this attraction is not a leisure activity for the faint of heart. Thus, you can come to Kerch not only in summer to visit the beach. You can also visit the city in winter. At any time of the year, you will find yourself a decent entertainment.
Entertainment for tourists with children
Families with children often come to the city of Kerch on vacation. In this case, it is important to find such entertainment that will not only be in your spirit, but will also interest your baby. So, first, you should take a walk along the Kerch embankment, located in the very central part of the city... From here you can see beautiful views of the sea surface and the Crimean bridge. At the same time, there is a lot of entertainment that children will love: an amusement park, play rooms and much more. After walking along the embankment, go to Lenin Square. The central streets of Kerch are quite cozy and seem to be specially designed for evening walks; you can often meet street musicians here.
Also, in the above locations, a variety of city events, music concerts and performances by artists are often held (this is especially true for the warm season).
In addition, you can go on your own to the museums of the city. Children will be interested in YugNIRO - a museum that collects marine life. Here you will see the most mysterious fish and aquatic mammals. This attraction is located near the city embankment at the "Museum" public transport stop. Lovers of fine arts will love a visit to the local art gallery, which is located on Teatralnaya Street, not far from Lenin Square. Famous Crimean artists are often exhibited here.
Summer is the season of performances and concerts that you can enjoy at the Korabel city palace of culture. Famous actors and performers often come to Crimea, therefore, in terms of spiritual and cultural recreation in the city, it is never boring. Another way to entertain your little one is to visit the Exotic ostrich farm. Here you can not only mingle with animals, but also taste dishes prepared by local chefs from ostrich eggs.
A trip on a yacht will make an indelible impression on both you and your child. This service is offered on the city embankment of Kerch at quite reasonable prices. This kind of leisure will allow you to look at the city from the sea side.
Thus, you and I were able to make sure that the city of Kerch is a great place to stay. Here you can combine business with pleasure - on the one hand, the city has all the conditions so that you can forget about your daily worries, walking along quiet and cozy streets, as well as sunbathing on the beach; on the other hand, you will be able to enrich yourself intellectually and spiritually, get to know the history of our country better by visiting all the sights and interesting places of Kerch.
Why you need to go on vacation to Kerch, see the next video.