Cape Plaka in Crimea: history and location

Crimea is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places in our vast homeland. The hospitality and mystery of the area attracts a huge number of tourists every year in the spring and summer. Each attraction has its own characteristics and history. One of the interesting places is Cape Plaka, climbing on which you will get an amazing view. In the article we will tell the history of the attraction, consider the natural features and ways to get to the place.

The cape was discovered by the Greeks in the XIV century, they gave it the name Plaka, which means "flat stone". Its geographical position turned it into a kind of natural fortress, which protected the nearby village of Lampas from the attacks of ill-wishers. Later, the cape, together with the village, was nevertheless conquered by Turkish soldiers, they renamed the place to Kuchuk-Lambat. In the 19th century, A.M. Borozdin became the owner of Plaka, who was engaged in the development of the area. A huge park with rare plant species, a beautiful view and unique fauna - all this is considered the merit of the military.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Anastasia Gagarina came here, for whom a magnificent castle was built. The building has survived to this day, its luxury can be appreciated by tourists. The princess devoted most of her life to the arrangement of the Romanesque building and the surrounding park. Princess Gagarina has become a real legend of this area, and the romantic love story that connected her with her husband, Prince Gagarin, is still told by the guides.

Cape Plaka was such a beautiful and peaceful place that famous guests often visited it. A. S. Pushkin, V. A. Zhukovsky, A. S.Griboyedov and many others found peace, comfort and tranquility here. After the revolution, the castle became the property of the Utyos sanatorium, which is still happy to receive guests.

Cape Plaka has a rather unusual shape, which each tourist interprets in his own way. Some see a mushroom in its outlines, others - a dog's face, others - an owl. The nature of the cape is unique. The warm southern climate is provided by the Black Sea and the mountains of the Kuchuk-Lambat Bay, which protect the area from the wind. In summer, the water temperature reaches +26 degrees, which is optimal for swimming.

The nature of the cape is unique for its vegetation. The flora of the area is represented by the rarest species of trees, flowers and shrubs. Rare and valuable fruit varieties are grown here, for example, olives, which appeared here in the Middle Ages. The fauna of Cape Plaka is also quite diverse. The rare species of birds living on the coast of the south are of particular value. In the waters of the Crimea, there is a harmless Black Sea shark and dolphins.

The tourist services are well developed, with professional divers who can explore the sea life together.

The geological structure of the cape speaks of its volcanic origin. According to one of the versions of scientists, it is believed that Cape Plaka was formed after a strong eruption that occurred more than a million years ago. For some unknown reason, after a while the volcano went out, cooled down, and the magma froze in an interesting form. Another suggestion says that the promontory on the cape is the failed volcano, that is, the laccolith. However, scientists question this greatly, since according to geologists, the structure is represented by volcanic rock and petrified clay, thrown to the surface several centuries ago.

Cape Plaka - completely deserted on one side and densely planted with greenery on the other - is a rather interesting sight. The border between the stone southern and green northern parts is so sharp and clear that it feels like a rock is growing out of the forest. From the highest point, a panoramic view of the entire Black Sea coast opens, which is slightly limited by the Kuchuk-Lambat Bay. Three large stones, towering above the surface of the sea, look very beautiful, they are called the Bird Rocks.

Another natural feature of Plaka is huge limestone stones, chaotically piled on top of each other. The place is called so - Kuchuk-Lambatsky chaos. Such a large number of limestone blocks appeared due to a landslide; in some areas, sprouted trees of rare species can be seen.

One of the main attractions of Cape Plaka is the aforementioned palace of Princess Gagarina and a large park. Let's consider its history in more detail. It was built and furnished by the architect Krasnov. Luxurious vestibule doors and floor mosaics have survived to this day. At the moment, the entrance to the park is free. Tourists are attracted not only by the beauty of these places, but also by the romantic love story of the prince and princess, who were inseparable throughout their life together. A.I. Gagarin often visited the salon of mother Anastasia in Kutaisi, being the governor-general of the city. He immediately fell in love with the girl and proposed to her, and she agreed, even despite the rather large age difference.

For three happy years, the couple lived in Georgia and made plans to move to the Crimea at Cape Plaka, where they had a small estate. Once Anastasia had to leave - to visit a close relative. Unfortunately, it was in the absence of the wife of Prince Gagarin that they killed. The girl never found her husband alive. The widow of Alexander Ivanovich was inconsolable and was locked up in her room for months. Later, she decided to fulfill her husband's old dream and moved to live in an estate on Cape Plaka.

The princess lived in solitude and was engaged only in the arrangement of the area. A beautiful palace was built under her leadership. As soon as the arrangement of the castle and the park was completed, Princess Anastasia died, never having time to live in a new house, which was inherited by her niece.

Until now, the building of the palace looks great, and next to it there is a small monument to Gagarina, from there an alley of cypresses and junipers begins, leading to the Church of Alexander Nevsky in the Byzantine style. At the very end of Cape Plaka, the crypt of the Borozdins, who were its first owners, is preserved. Hikers in the fresh air will surely appreciate the beauty of the park and its flora.

Another attraction of this area is the Raevsky estate, next to which there is also a large park with rare trees, flowers and cacti. A walk along the cape will bring real pleasure to any tourist. Fresh air, beauty of nature and warm climate are optimal for both secluded and couples relaxation.

Cape Plaka is located on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula in the urban district of Alushta. Nearby is the resort village of Utyos. The territory of the cape is one of the main tourist areas of Big Alushta. The address of the sanatorium "Utyos": Republic of Crimea, Alushta, Utyos settlement, Gagarina street, house 5.

You can get to the place in different ways.

• A boat goes to the cape, which departs from the Utyos pier, located between Alushta and Partenit.
• They travel by car along the Yalta-Alushta road. Having reached the village of Kiparisnoe, you need to turn onto the road into the mountains to the Utyos sanatorium. There is a walking path from the bust of Gagarina, along which you will need to walk no longer than 10 minutes. For the convenience of tourists, there are signs everywhere.
• Some decide to walk from Alushta, however, it will take more than an hour and a half and a lot of effort. Not everyone can do such a trip, even a young tourist, so it is better to use transport.
• In order to save money, you can use a regular bus from the Alushta bus station, which in 20 minutes will bring tourists directly to the sanatorium. If you plan to leave Simferopol, you will first have to get to Alushta, and then change to a bus. In any case, you will have to walk to the cape itself, since the path from the Cliff is exclusively for pedestrians.

About Cape Plaka in Crimea, see the video below.