Crimean Peninsula

Sevastopol – the city of heroes
The Black Sea Fleet, wars, tragic and heroic events marked today's shipbuilding, industrial and scientific center. After the battles of the Crimean War between 1853 and 1855, in which Russia became embroiled in fights with Turkey and later with the United Kingdom, France and Sardinia, the city lay in ruins for a long time. The resurgence began only in the late 19th century, and during the Second World War the city was destroyed again. In memory of past battles, a huge monument to the victims of Sevastopol stands on Malakhov Hill, which was called the Hero City for its bravery in the Soviet era. The events of the Second World War are also commemorated by the monument on Sapun Hill. The heart of the city is the harbor Grafskaja – Count's Harbor, named after Count Vojnović, who was the commander of the Black Sea Fleet. A visit to the monastery in the cave is also a special experience Inkerman near Sevastopol. It was founded in the 8th century by monks - worshipers of icons who fled from Byzantium during the iconoclasm. In their time, the monastery consisted of several churches and a complex of inhabited caves. There is a city near Sevastopol Kherson, which is considered the cradle of Russian Orthodoxy, since it was there that Russian Prince Vladimir converted to Christianity in the tenth century, Cyril and Methodius are said to have visited it a few times. Since the city was badly affected during the Tatar invasions and ceased to exist in the 15th century, today we are reminded of its brilliant history in the archaeological park, where we can also walk among the ruins of the only ancient theater in Ukraine.

Yalta – the jewel of Crimea
Yalta is the most famous city on Crimean peninsula and also one of the most interesting resorts in the world. It lies by the sea like a magnificent amphitheater, surrounded by high mountains. The rise of Yalta from a small village to a world-famous resort began in the nineteenth century, when the Russian tsars began to value Yalta as a vacation spot. Autumn is the most beautiful time of the year in Yalta, and it is here that the expression that autumn is the velvet season came into being. And the Yalta coast with palm groves is the most beautiful place for peaceful walks and enjoying the mild climate, where you can relax in numerous bars, restaurants and cafes. Yalta is not only an interesting city, but also a starting point for various trips around the area. One of the most popular excursions is a visit to the palace of the Russian Tsar Alexander III. in Massandra, and Masandra is also famous for its extremely high-quality wines. A real treat for botanists is a walk through Nikitin the botanical garden, which was established in 1812, and more than 450 different types of exotic plants grow in the park area. The Church of the Resurrection of Jesus above the city reminds us of the unreasonable destruction of churches during the Soviet Union Foros. In 1924, the church was closed, the crosses were destroyed, the wall paintings were painted over and the priest was exiled to Siberia. A restaurant was opened in the former church, later a warehouse, and then it was abandoned and only a complete renovation a few years ago revealed its original charm. Part of the history of Yalta, known to the whole world, is certainly the meeting of the three presidents of the Allied Powers during the Second World War in the Livadia Palace: Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt. At the meeting in early 1945, they signed, among other things, the Declaration on a Free Europe, and also agreed on the establishment of the United Nations. The main symbol of the Crimean peninsula, which can be admired on most photos and postcards, is the mansion called the Swallow's Nest. It was built in 1912 with the intention of making a strong impression, and the building on the edge of a high cliff above the sea still manages to take visitors' breath away. Although it was abandoned for many years, it was renovated in the 1970s and a cafe was arranged in it. A drink on the balcony of the castle, which offers a wonderful view of the Black Sea coast, is without a doubt one of the highlights of a visit to the Crimean Peninsula.

Tatar-Turkish heritage
"I feel sorry for everyone who has never been to Evpatoria," wrote Vladimir Mayakovsky, a fan of the seaside city, which, in addition to its beautiful location on the coast of the Black Sea, is also known for its large Tatar population, which cultivates its culture and traditions in schools and mosques . In the late 15th century, the Turks and Tatars built the Gezli fortress with winding streets in its surroundings, and this very area became the center of Evpatoria. As the Tatars are Muslims, the Dzhuma-dzami mosque is a unique architectural monument on the Crimean Peninsula. Although today in Ukraine the period after the Tatar-Turkish conquest is referred to as the dark age of Christianity, some of the monuments enrich the diverse culture of the Crimean peninsula. The name of the peninsula also comes from the time of the so-called Crimean Khanate, as the Tatars, after capturing the town of Stari Krim, founded by the Armenians, ordered the inhabitants to strengthen the walls. The name for the fortress in the Tatar language is kirim, and slowly the current name of the entire peninsula developed from this designation. Later, due to Turkish incursions, the capital of the Crimean Khanate was moved to a remote area, where the Tatars built one of the most beautiful palaces on the peninsula, called Bakhchisaraj (Palace among the Gardens). Its history is turbulent, as is the history of the entire peninsula, and the greatest interest when visiting is still devoted to the Fountain of Tears, which has become a symbol of human suffering, forever captured in the beauty of cold stone.

Altuša - nature in its most beautiful form
Unspoiled nature in the surroundings Altus it attracts crowds of Ukrainian nature lovers, and due to its diversity, it also attracts more and more foreign hikers, cyclists and walkers. Near the town there is an interesting museum dedicated to the Crimean mountains, from minerals to fauna. The most interesting is the Dendrozoo museum, which is surrounded by a small animal and plant reserve. But Altuša is intended for nature trips, as the mountain amphitheater surrounding Altuša is the most beautiful and largest on the Crimean peninsula. The most interesting trails lead to the Dzur-dzur waterfalls, which fall 15 meters deep in three steps from the limestone edge. About a kilometer above them, the upper waterfalls fall to a depth of almost 60 meters, surrounded by lush forests, in which the most prized are more than 200-year-old oaks, which give the Crimean nature reserve a special value.