Features of rest in Inkerman in Crimea
A conversation about rest in Crimea usually implies the mention of Alushta and Yalta, Evpatoria, Feodosia. Less often they talk about Alupka, Sevastopol. But even such a "non-obvious" point as Inkerman deserves attention from travelers.
Characteristics and history
The city of Inkerman has been reliably known since the 6th century AD. Initially it was called Kalamita (this name was used until 1475). And in 1976-1991 there was another name - Belokamensk. For 2 sq. km, located on average at an altitude of 50 m above sea level, approximately 10,140 people live. It is curious that in administrative terms the city cannot be called independent - it is officially part of the Balaklava region of Sevastopol.
Inkerman is located in the southwestern part of the peninsula. When looking for it on the map, the Chernaya River is a reference point. It is where it pours its waters into the Sevastopol Bay, and one must look for a city. It houses the eponymous railway station connecting Sevastopol and the capital of the peninsula. Kalamita is a fortress that was built in the era of Byzantine rule to cover the approaches to Chersonesos.
The times of the 8th and 9th centuries were accompanied by massive religious construction. A monastery is created within the Kalamita. Even to this day, several cave temples, hidden in a cliff, have survived. Time also spared a whole series of cells, which were placed in several tiers.
From the 12th to the 15th centuries, Kalamitu was controlled by the principality of Theodoro.
At this moment, the fortress is used to protect the water area of the port of Avlita. Gradually it gets the same name.The favorable location of the fortification makes it a "permanent prize" in the struggle between the Theodorites and the Genoese. In 1475, Kalamita was captured by Ottoman troops. It was then that the name Inkerman appeared, literally meaning "a fortress in a cave."
Even then, experienced artillerymen, the Turks are converting it to use cannons. But if Inkerman retained its military significance, then its urban part during the Turkish and Tatar domination considerably degraded. And at the end of this period, the fortress turned into ruins.
In 1854, the famous Inkerman battle took place here.
Only later did human settlements resume at the mouth of the river. Now these were already separate farms. Since 1875, the Inkerman station appears, inheriting its name from the ruins of an old fortress. During the second defense of Sevastopol and during its liberation, almost all the buildings accumulated over several decades were destroyed. In the post-war period, the mountains located near the mouth of the river were actively used.
The stone was taken out from here for restoration work in Sevastopol. No wonder the city was later named Belokamensk. By water, the border of the Sevastopol territory is 5 km, and for overland travel, the distance will be 18 km. To get to Inkerman it will turn out:
- by bus (from Simferopol railway station in 2 hours);
- by electric train (in 150 minutes);
- by taxi car (60 minutes).
Meteorological parameters
Inkerman belongs to the temperate continental zone. These places are characterized by warm winters and not too hot summers. The weather spring comes in April. The onset of weather autumn occurs in the first days of October. Then a rather long period of heavy rains begins.
After the onset of cold weather, cloudy days prevail, snow and rain often fall. It is warmest in July, when the average monthly temperature is 23 degrees Celsius. In January, sometimes the air cools down to -5 degrees. The active tourism season starts from the middle of May. It ends in the second decade of September, when the air cools down to +16.17 degrees Celsius.
What to see?
Among the sights of Inkerman, undoubtedly, the first place is occupied by the male Inkerman Cave Monastery of St. Clement. It will appeal even to those who are not too supportive of the Christian cult. The complex was built in the Byzantine period, more precisely - in the VIII century.
The monastery got its name in honor of Bishop Clement, who was repressed in the Roman Empire for promoting Christian ideology.
The construction was finally completed only in the 15th century. The monastery is notable for the fact that it is one of the ten oldest in the world. The caves where it is located were carved inside the rocks by the monks themselves.
Important: you simply cannot enter the monastery. Only participants of excursion groups are admitted there.
The Kalamitskaya fortress, located on the rock, is no less significant than the Inkerman monastery. Along with surface structures, there are at least 300 fortifications inside the caves. You won't have to look for the fortress for a long time - as if at its foot are the very monastery buildings.
If both monuments of antiquity have already been examined, you must go to the vintage wines factory. In Inkerman, it is very large - it is included in the top 3 wine enterprises of the peninsula.
Among the natural monuments, it is worth mentioning the Chernorechensky canyon. Its length is 12 km, and its depth is 13 m. Adventurers and romantics eagerly rush to this place. Approximately 1/6 of the canyon is officially recognized as a protected area. While it is not forbidden to visit, visitors to the gorge should be prepared for an abundance of large rocks and massive rubble.
The left side of the canyon can only be traversed from the Baydar Valley. On the right, all sections are impassable up to Kizil-Kai. In some places, crossing to the other side cannot be avoided.
Important: it can suddenly start rains in and around the canyon.Before going there, you should check the weather forecast.
Those who come with their families will invariably like the entertainment center "Monsoon". Its rides are designed for teenagers and very young children. And adults will be happy to have the opportunity to play bowling or go for a ride on the ice rink. Inkerman also has 2 beaches. One of them (city) is located on the seashore and is only 50 m long.
At this point, the coast is covered with sand and pebbles. The beach is twice as long near the old quarry. It is flooded with exceptionally clean water, which, however, is cold even in hot weather. Visiting the career beach with young children is therefore not very comfortable.
Inconvenience is also caused by the crumb of limestone covering the coast.
Returning to the wineries of Inkerman, it should be pointed out that this industry in the city has been developing for a very long time. Only the Turkish conquest crushed for a time the tradition laid down by the Greeks and supported by the Genoese. The revival begins after the annexation of the former Crimean Khanate. The main winery has been operating since 1961, using breakthrough technologies developed abroad. The collection of the enterprise includes semi-dry and dry, and semi-sweet, and sweet, and vintage, and strong, and sparkling wines.
Wanting to purchase the wine products of the factory, it is best and most profitable to go on an organized excursion. The participants will be shown oak barrels in the basement. The manufacturing technology is described in as much detail as possible.
Where to stay?
For comfortable accommodation in Inkerman, it is advisable to rent apartments, cottages or private houses. The absence of intermediaries allows significant savings.
But classic hotels are hard to find. You will have to search for them mainly in the nearby part of Sevastopol. The best options are Park Hotel, Homer Hotel, Mirabella.
Those who like to eat in a refined atmosphere should head to the Winter Garden cafe. Its menu contains not only Russian and Central European, but even Japanese dishes.
The assortment of the restaurant "Ukraine" is fully disclosed in its name. The hall is cozy and well decorated. Guests will be offered to stay both in the hall and on the terrace. Fans of Georgian cuisine are advised to go to Marani. Its menu contains the most famous and popular dishes.
Features of rest in Inkerman in Crimea, see the video below.