The cave cities of Crimea are considered a real mystery for archaeologists, and sometimes attract tourists much more than the sunny beaches of the peninsula. You might be interested to know how primitive people they took over housing from cave bears in order to get a place where they could settle their family for later life.
It is best to go on such expeditions with a group - excursions will pose many riddles that are much more enjoyable to solve with a friendly team. A little information has been collected on each city in the rock to make it easier for you to decide where to go for research first.
The capital of the Principality of Theodoro is Crimean Mangup (Mangup-Kale)
Cave city Mangup-Kale. LINK
The plateau was permanently inhabited in the 1st millennium BC. Its first inhabitants were the Taurian tribes, who came up with the name that was later preserved - Mangup. Further, the Scythians, Sarmatians, as well as the tribes of the East Germans - the Goths, settled here. Mangup began to fully settle in the 5th century, when the city began to strengthen, and everything flocked to its caves. more people. Starting from the 7th century, the settlement received protection from possible raids - a fortress wall.
Time period from XIII to XV centuries. - is considered the real heyday of Mangup, when the city officially became the capital of the Principality of Theodoro. The defensive fortifications were seriously tested for strength in 1475. Alas, the residents of Mangup-Kale could not do anything about the Ottoman attack - the city was completely burned. Subsequently, several attempts were made to restore the destroyed capital, but it was never possible to return it to its former glory and beauty - in 1790, the last inhabitants left the plateau in search of a new life.
Eskí -Kermé n
Cave city Eski-Kermen. To see a 3D 360° panorama, click on the LINK
The city in the rock was built at the end of the 6th century - it served as one of the Byzantine fortifications, and lasted for seven centuries. It is located 14 km south of Bakhchisarai (in whose historical and cultural reserve it is included), or it can be reached by walking 5 km in a northwest direction from the now destroyed Mangup-Kale. The city had good natural protection - cliffs with a height of up to 30 m. It is one of the three most visited cave cities on the Crimean Peninsula.
Eski-Kermen began to flourish in the 10th century - the population of the city began to grow significantly, exceeding 2,000 people in the 13th century. Such growth attracted the attention of the Golden Horde beklyarbek Nogai - in 1299 the “fortress city” fell for the first time to the onslaught of the Mongols. Subsequently, the resulting damage was partially eliminated, but exactly a hundred years later, Eski-Kermen and its defensive fortifications could not oppose anything to the Golden Horde - the city was devastated, and no one else had the desire to undertake its restoration.
Tepe-kermen
Cave city Tepe-kermen. To see a 3D 360° panorama, click on the LINK
In its shape, the mountain resembles a volcano. The area is often called the lonely “Crimean Vesuvius”. Even now, historians and archaeologists have a lot of gaps regarding the settlement of the settlement. It is thoroughly known that Tepe-Kermen began to exist in the 6th century - the period when the fortress began to be built as an element of the borderland of the Byzantine possessions. The settlement flourished in the 12th–14th centuries. Perhaps the city would have continued to exist, but the invasion of Tamerlane’s troops negated its further prospects for development.
In the residential caves of the city in the rock were observed wooden doors and windows, a system of partitions was thought out - the space was divided into small “apartments”. In some cases, everything was the other way around - small caves through a network of communications (stairs, corridor passages) made up a single living space. According to such a system, it was clear that people effectively used every part of the available living space.
Bakla
Cave city of Bakla.
Geographically ancient city in the mountains of Crimea is located near Bakhchisarai in the area of the village of Skalistoe. It has been established that Sarmato-Alans and Gothic tribes lived in the caves of the ancient city in Crimea. Based on several sources, the Byzantines paid Bakle Special attention- it was here that Christianity was instilled in the residents, and garrisons with troops were also stationed. There were good conditions for livestock farming and agriculture - the availability of food sources resulted in a gradual increase in the population.
If the residents were in danger of war, they found temporary shelter behind the walls of the more securely fortified Chufut-Kale, located nearby. According to some researchers, the name of the settlement follows from the shape of the grottoes and caves, reminiscent of beans (from the Turkic “bakla” is translated exactly as beans). The settlement was of no small importance for the Byzantines - the city was used as a kind of trade junction, serving as a junction between the sea coast and the steppe. The decline of Bakly fell at the end of the 13th century - the Tatar-Mongol invasion destroyed almost all the fortresses in its path. The famous “beans” were no exception.
Cave Monastery
Cave city Kachi-Kalyon.
For an outside observer, the rock massif near Bakhchisarai, located in the valley of the Kacha River, resembles a ship. In its front part, natural cracks similar to a cross are clearly visible, which gave the corresponding name to the cave city, which translates as “Cross Rock”.
Some researchers believe that the Kachi-Kalyon monastery appeared in Crimea in the 6th century - Byzantine monks, who opposed the policy of iconoclasm, flocked to the peninsula and took a fancy to the local caves. On the other hand, as a result of excavations, other utensils were discovered, giving every reason to believe that the area was inhabited somewhat earlier. People living in the vicinity of the monastery were engaged in pottery and winemaking. Residential buildings were mainly located directly in the valley - the population moved to fortified rock grottoes if they were in real danger.
Kalamita
Cave city of Kalamita. To see a 3D 360° panorama, click on the LINK
Another object erected by the Byzantines, playing a military and defensive role. The fortification was built back in the 6th century on Monastyrskaya Hill. The defensive structure of the settlement included casemates, six towers with strong walls. Inside, researchers were able to find a church, a number of buildings and even a local burial. The city received the name "Calamita" from the Genoese. In case of military danger, the population living in the district promptly hid behind the walls of the fortress. Now there is little left of its once greatness: the ruins of a temple, the remains of some towers and other objects that will be interesting to look at.
Chelter Marmara, cave monastery
Cave monastery Chelter Marmara. To see a 3D 360° panorama, click on the LINK
Scientists have only been able to approximately determine the founding date ancient temple in the rock - 8-9 century AD. To get to the monastery, located in the cliffs of Chelter Caye, you will have to walk along a very narrow path. Archaeologists discovered about 50 caves that served various purposes. functional purpose: utility rooms, refectories, churches, individual cells and small utility rooms. Present good system communications, connecting all the “zones” of the monastery. Traces can still be found on the walls of the caves serial numbers, which marked the living space.
Inside you can find the remains of numerous pithoi and amphorae, and on the ceilings of the caves there are traces of pre-fixed lamps. It is concluded that at one time the settlers settled here for a long time and comfortably. Who knows what the local infrastructure could have achieved if not for the Tatar-Mongol raid in the 13th century, which completely destroyed local life.
Kyz-Kermen - “Maiden’s Fortress”
Cave city Kyz-Kermen photo
It is almost impossible to obtain accurate information about the foundation of Kyz-Kermen - the local cave city was destroyed many times, after which it was invariably rebuilt. The plateau has always aroused interest among the peoples living nearby - it was immediately clear that nature had built its own fortress here on its own, and people only needed to strengthen it. However, it is very difficult to say anything definite about the life of the population who lived here - historians and archaeologists have managed to collect only crumbs of information over decades of research, but the more interesting the excursions of tourists will be - perhaps they will be able to find something unusual.
It is reliably known that the local fortifications were destroyed at the end of the 9th century by the warlike Khazars, after which, over the next centuries, life here began to degenerate, only to finally disappear in the 13th century. In the 15th century, the ruins began to be inhabited by hermit monks who had scattered around the caves near the city when Crimea was conquered by Ottoman troops.
Bakhchisarai Syuren Fortress
Bakhchisarai Syuren Fortress. To see a 3D 360° panorama, click on the LINK
Historians still do not stop arguing regarding the founding date of the fortress. The time spread, according to some researchers, is as much as 8 centuries! We can only say for sure that the local fortification, like many others in Crimea, began to be built by decision of the Byzantine administration in force at that time. It is likely that a local feudal lord lived here, to whom everyone in the area was subordinate.
The heyday of Syuren came in the 12th-15th centuries - the fortress became the most important structural unit of the Principality of Theodoro, which served as one of the defensive outposts on the routes to Mangup. It has been previously established that the fortifications were severely destroyed in 1475 during the Ottoman attack on Crimea. From that moment on, Xiuren was no longer used as a protective object. To this day, the buildings have suffered even more damage: first during the Crimean earthquake of 1927, and then in the 40s of the twentieth century.
Archaeologists have discovered that people have set foot in the local caves since the late Paleolithic. Cro-Magnons used natural shelters as temporary camps during hunting - traces of fires and animal bones remained here. In addition, in the rocky recesses one could comfortably wait out the natural weather.
It is worth noting that information on the cave cities of Crimea is updated annually - research continues to this day, and something new is regularly discovered that can completely upend all previous ideas about the ancient monastery or other objects. Therefore, even if you are going on a previously visited excursion for the second time, there is always a chance to learn something new and spend your time profitably.
Cave cities of Crimea on the map of Bakhchisarai region
Among the numerous attractions of Crimea, it is impossible not to notice cave cities and cave monasteries. These unique architectural and historical monuments, concentrated in the southwestern part of Crimea, can be compared in their historical significance and value with medieval castles Europe. Having seen a lot in their lifetime, they silently keep numerous secrets and attract thousands of travelers with their mystery.
The definition of “cave cities” is conditional, because people lived in above-ground buildings built on inaccessible rock masses. It arose due to the erroneous assumption that people here lived in caves carved into the rocks. This initial idea was also facilitated by the fact that it was the cave part of the former fortified cities that was preserved the best way, in contrast to ground-based buildings almost destroyed by enemies and time. Although this theory was rejected during further studies of cave cities, this name remained attached to the deserted settlements on giant steep cliffs.
The cave cities of Crimea can be called a kind of analogue of medieval European castles. These are real fortress cities, which were specially built on hard-to-reach or completely inaccessible rocks, because living in the valleys was dangerous due to the constant raids of nomads. We can say that nature itself successfully took care of protecting and sheltering the inhabitants of such fortifications from enemies.
Cave monasteries in Crimea arose in the Middle Ages for almost the same reason as fortified cities - for shelter from enemies. Those who fled from their pursuers, who did not want to submit to the Gentiles, and who sought to protect Orthodox traditions, the monks built their cave temples in limestone rocks, which were easy to work with.
The place where the cave cities and monasteries of Crimea emerged were the massive table mountains of the Inner Range of the Crimean Mountains, stretching from Simferopol to Sevastopol, but still most of these rock structures are concentrated in the Bakhchisarai region. It is from Bakhchisarai that it is convenient to start excursions around the Crimea with the aim of visiting the most famous cave cities, in which residential and outbuildings carved into the rocks are well preserved, as well as the ruins of above-ground buildings and cave monasteries, many of which are still functioning temples.
The most visited due to its convenient location, the cave city of Chufut-Kale is located right outside the outskirts of the old part of the city of Bakhchisarai. Here you can not only visit numerous artificial caves of Crimea, but also examine preserved buildings from different centuries, including Karaite kenas and the Dzhanyke-Khanym mausoleum. A tour of Chufut-Kale is an immersion into the past of Crimea. Founded back in the 6th century, the fortification over the years of its existence managed to serve as a home for many peoples, and even at one time was the capital of the Crimean Khanate. Chufut-Kale is of particular historical value, because paths crossed here different nations, and the cave city itself can be called a crossroads of 3 religions.
On the way from Bakhchisarai to Chufut-Kale you can visit the Holy Dormition Cave Monastery - one of the most famous shrines of Crimea. Located in steep cliffs, the Orthodox church is a large-scale monastery complex, including not only religious, but also outbuildings. This cave monastery is still active and is one of the most popular places in Crimea among pilgrims.
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Another famous ancient temple of the Bakhchisaray region is the cave monastery of Theodore Stratelates, located inside a spacious natural grotto in the Belbek Valley. There are 22 caves in total, some of them have niches carved into the rocks with tombs. This cave monastery is one of the most revered, because it is believed that the relics of saints were located here. In 2003, work began on the restoration of the dilapidated monastery complex, and now the ringing of church bells is heard again on the territory of the monastery of Theodore Stratelates, and divine services are held.
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To the southeast of Bakhchisaray there are two more equally famous and popular cave cities among lovers of hiking and exciting excursions - Kachi-Kalyon and Tepe-Kermen. It will not be particularly difficult to visit these attractions of Crimea in one day, because they are located in close proximity to each other.
Kachi-Kalyon is interesting as a settlement of winemakers, and Tepe-Kermen is as a cave city, or rather, even a fortress on a hill in which local pastoralists took refuge from the attacks of nomads.
The settlement of Kachi-Kalyon arose back in the 6th century, while the cave monastery appeared here only in the Middle Ages, and both the preserved frescoes and the huge cross, noticeable when approaching the rock mass, remind of it, for which this cave city of Crimea received its a name meaning "ship of the crusade". Here are preserved cells carved into the rocks, orthodox churches and a cave temple. If Kachi-Kalyon has preserved mainly temple buildings, then on Tepe-Kermen caves for economic purposes predominate.
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| Rock Kachi-Kalyon - general view of the cave city |
Although this is quite possible, you should not limit your visit to these sights to one day, because in their vicinity there are no less interesting ancient objects. These include Tash-Air with ancient petroglyphs and a few ruins of ancient buildings of the cave city of the 10th century. Kyz-Kermen, which in the Middle Ages was one of the important trade and craft centers of this region.
Eski-Kermen is considered one of the best preserved cave cities in Crimea. In its vicinity there is greatest number surviving cave monasteries, some of which, although not active, still attract tourists. This includes the cave monastery of Shuldan, and including several dilapidated temples of Chilter-Marmara - a monastery that functioned in the Middle Ages, but has now lost its significance, and the castle of Kyz-Kule (Maiden Tower), which is one of the important sentinel points of Eski-Kermen. Therefore, you can spend more than one day exploring this area rich in historical monuments.
The cave city of Eski-Kermen is located on steep cliffs, looking at which you understand perfectly why it was able to be so well preserved.
From the Kyz-Kule watchtower, located to the west of the Eski-Kermen settlement, you can admire a breathtaking panorama covering almost the entire foothills. Near the ruins of this ancient fortress there is a gorge with numerous caves, one of which is distinguished by the presence of amazing rock frescoes and is called the Temple of Donators.
Before reaching the village of Ternovka, you can see on a rocky cliff surrounded by forest many caves carved into it. They contain cells of the Shuldan monastery, which arose here in the Middle Ages. This cave temple is formed by two rocky rooms, each of which contains up to 20 cells, located in 2 tiers. Since 2003, this cave monastery has been revived, and on its territory there is now a rehabilitation center for drug addicts.
Although most of the cave cities and monasteries of Crimea are located in the vicinity of Bakhchisarai, there are no less interesting tourist sites of this type. One of the most spectacular among them is the cave city of Mangup-Kale, located not far from Eski-Kermen. It is impressive not only for its ruins ancient settlement, but also a well-preserved medieval fortress, and the plateau itself, on which the ruins of the Mangup fortress are located, was a site for ancient people long before the formation of the fortress.
Not far from Mangup-Kale is Chelter-Koba, a cave monastery, which is a large-scale Orthodox complex in the rocks. Many cells are connected to each other by corridors and stairs cut into the rocks.
No less impressive is the Inkerman Cave Monastery, located in close proximity to Sevastopol - a suburb of Inkerman. This is the oldest Orthodox monastery in Crimea, operating to this day. The monastery is distinguished by the presence of many artificial caves and picturesque views from its cells. Next door are the ruins of the ancient fortress of Kalamita.
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The northernmost cave city of Crimea, Bakla, lies away from most tourist routes. It is interesting for its many grottoes and ancient burial grounds. The cave city of Bakla arose around the 4th-5th centuries, and on its territory there were not only residential and outbuildings, but also Orthodox rock churches. It was only after the devastating raid of Nogai’s army in the 13th century that all this sank into eternity, leaving only a few traces of the former life in these places as a keepsake for descendants.
A visit to the cave cities and monasteries of Crimea allows you to come into close contact with the history of the peninsula. This is a great opportunity to see ancient rock paintings and the first Christian frescoes, the ruins of ancient cave monasteries and fortresses. In addition, you will have an unforgettable impression of the picturesque views of nature and the dizzying heights of the steep cliffs.
See photos of cave cities and monasteries of Crimea in our gallery
The page materials are based on the author's article by Skywriter13
Greetings, friends!
Today I invite you to leave cozy, modern rooms and a hot beach, and go into the distant past, namely, look into the cave cities in Crimea.
I think many of you are curious to know how people in these cave cities lived their lives, held parties and fought to the death with ideological enemies.
But, it is advisable to go on such an expedition with a company or an excursion, otherwise you might inadvertently dive under some stone arch and under the pitiful beeping of a tired mobile battery there is no back door to be found.
Study the information and choose which cave cities you will explore first!
Chufut-Kale, in translation, Jewish fortress is the last of the names of the ancient cave city. It is also known as Kyrk-Er or Kyrk-Or, other names are not remembered so often.
The cave city of Chufut-Kale was created as a fortification in the V-VI centuries. According to one version of scientists, this is where the ancient city of Fulla was located, which is mentioned in the chronicles.
Chufut-Kale was once inhabited by Alans and Kipchaks, it became the prey of the Horde emir, and also possessions of the Golden Horde . The capital was founded here Crimean Khanate Kyrk-Er, headed by Hadji I Geray, which was subsequently moved to Bakhchisarai.
From the time of the Crimean Khanate to the cave city Karaites moved , since there was a certain ban on their free settlement. After the khan's residence was moved to another place, the city was renamed Chufut-kale, and the Karaites who inhabited it were not supposed to leave its borders.
The Karaites received freedom of movement with the advent of Soviet power, and gradually left the cave city, which soon fell into disrepair.
Where is Chufut-Kale
Chufut-Kale is located in the Bakhchisaray district, 2-3 km from Bakhchisaray near the village Staroselye.
How to get there
From the bus station in Bakhchisarai to the bus stop "Staroselye" There is a shuttle bus. Then you will have to walk past the Assumption Cave Monastery. It is unlikely that you will get lost on this stretch; there are signs and barkers everywhere who want to accompany you on an excursion.
Visiting Chufut-Kale is paid - 200/100 rubles per person A.
Good to know
The ruins of Chufut-Kale are a popular attraction in Bakhchisarai, but keep in mind that you will have to walk a lot , climb the cut down steps and broken paths. I write more and more interestingly about the fortress.
The capital of the Principality of Theodoro is Mangup-Kale
Once upon a time this plateau was chosen by the Taurus tribes, who gave it its name - Mangup . This was back in the 1st millennium BC. In subsequent centuries, Mangup was inhabited by Scythians, Sarmatians, Alans and Goths.
Only in the 5th century. The first fortification buildings began to appear on Mangup, and the cave city began to grow. Already in the 7th century. the city was well defended and surrounded by a fortress wall.
From the XIII to the XV centuries. the cave city on the Mangup plateau reached its peak, becoming the capital Principality of Theodoro and bearing his name.
Unable to cope with the onslaught of the Ottomans, in 1475 the city was ravaged and burned. Half restored, Mangup-Kale never returned to its former life, and in 1790 it was abandoned by residents.
Where is Mangup-Kale
The distance from Bakhchisaray to the Mangup plateau is about 20 km. Nearest landmark With. Khaja-Sala.
How to get there
If you arrived in Bakhchisarai, now you need to take a bus from the bus station to Zalesnoe village , and get off at the stop of the same name.
Good to know
The city is located on a spacious plateau, at an altitude of 583 m. It really gives the impression of an impregnable settlement. But it’s still worth climbing to the plateau - stunning views open up from there.
Mysterious Eski-Kermen
6-7 km from Mangup-Kale there is another cave city - It appeared at the end of the 6th century. and existed safely until the end of the 14th century.
Despite the fact that not much is known about it, according to scientists and archaeological evidence, Eski-Kermen was very well fortified and developed. This is evidenced by the location of the quarters, the ruins of temples and buildings, and a siege well with a 20-meter corridor, to which 80 stone steps lead.
Where is Eski-Kermen
Bakhchisaray district, 14 km south of Bakhchisaray. Not far from the villages Red poppy, Ternovka, Zalesnoye .
How to get there
From the bus station in Bakhchisarai, take a shuttle bus to the village of Red Poppy, and then follow the signs on foot.
You can take advantage of the offer of local taxis that will take you all the way to the plateau, but you will have to climb into the territory of the cave city yourself.
Good to know
You can go to the cave city either with a guide or on your own - there are information signs on the walls and stands telling about this or that object. But staying overnight on the plateau is prohibited.
City really impressive by the number of remaining apartments and interesting places for researchers.
More photos and descriptions of the route around the city
Castle town of Tepe-Kermen
This small cave city, built in several tiers, appeared in the 6th century. It had its own streets, numerous buildings, and two main roads, which well preserved traces of ancient carts.
It ended its existence in the 13th century. after a brutal raid by the Horde khan, although some surviving temples continued to function for some time.
It’s amazing how people lived in this city if there were never any sources nearby. Climb up and solve this riddle!
Where is
Bakhchisaray district, 7 km from Bakhchisaray itself to the southeast. Reference point - With. Kudrino .
How to get there
Maintain course on p. Kudrino. From the bus station in Bakhchisaray you can take a bus from Bakhchisaray to Sinapnoe.
Good to know
Despite the fact that Tepe-Kermen is not so big, there is something to see here - very tiny cells hidden in the bushes, ruins of above-ground churches, tombs, cave “multi-room apartments”.
Well, a wonderful location on a high plateau, overlooking Kachin Valley .
Northern cave city – Bakla
Like many other cave cities, Bakla primarily served as a military fortification. From V to XIII centuries. city belonged to the Byzantines , who built a castle and defensive buildings in the southern part.
The townspeople were engaged in agriculture, winemaking, and visited temples; perhaps one of the underground rooms found served as a monastery.
But here, too, this obnoxious Horde tried Khan Nogai , which completely destroyed this city in 1299.
Where is Bakla
Bakhchisarai district, nearby Skalistoye village.
How to get there
By bus from Bakhchisarai to the village. Rocky, then walk about another 2 km, following the signs.
Good to know
Many crypts were found on the territory of Bakly; unfortunately, many of them were looted. Some Byzantine jewelry and household items that were not found by black archaeologists can be seen in the Bakhchisarai Museum.
Where the monks hid - the cave monastery of Kachi-Kalyon
When they talk about Cachi Caglione , then they mean a cave monastery, although researchers - scientists and archaeologists, say that it was a large cave city, with several temples that appeared later.
The development of Kachi-Kalyon occurred from the 5th to the 13th centuries. It was inhabited by different nationalities; there is even a site of an ancient man here.
Kachi-Kalyon is a complex of cave rooms with various buildings. Typically, the excursion takes place in four of the five grottoes, which contain cells, utility and wine-making premises, and ancient temples.
On the territory of Kachi-Kalyon there is a miraculous source of St. Anastasia, and also beaded temple , Church of St. Sofia.
Where is
Bakhchisaray district, 7 km from Bakhchisaray, between Predushchelny and Bashtanovka , in the Kachin Valley.
How to get there
By bus from Bakhchisarai you can get to the village. Predushchelnoye (stop Predushchelnoye 2), then walk along the highway until the sign “Kachi-Kalyon”.
Good to know
The fifth grotto is very inaccessible for tourists; it is mainly visited by climbers.
The tour of the cave city itself is not expensive, but if the guides “intercept” you in Bakhchisarai and offer to take you to the very threshold of Kachi-Kalyon (which is very tempting), then it will cost you from 1,500 to 2,500 rubles.
Either a fortress or a city - Kalamita
In the VI century. The Byzantines erected a garrison fortification on Mount Monastyrskaya. It initially consisted of four, and then of six towers, strong walls, and cave casemates.
On the territory of the fortress there was also a temple, a church, other buildings, and a cemetery. Kalamita - it received this name from the Genoese, it served as a defensive and military facility, and the population located under the walls of the fortress could take refuge in it from the attacks of invaders.
Now at this place there are only the remains of four towers, the ruins of a temple, and some monuments. Under the fortress there is a cave St. Clement Monastery , which I wrote about in about sights of Sevastopol.
Where is Calamita?
The fortress and settlement are located in one of the districts of Sevastopol - Inkerman , on Monastyrskaya Hill.
How to get there
From Sevastopol by car to Inkerman, and then get off at the “Vtormet” stop, the TPP gas station will serve as a guide and st. Career.
Good to know
Do not think that traveling and visiting ancient ruins will be something simple and uninteresting. First climb along the mountain paths to where only the towers are visible from below, and what you see there, I hope, will impress you.
Openwork cave monastery – Chelter Marmara
Multi-tiered cave Chelter Marmara Monastery slightly different from the previous ones with its unusual design. All its numerous rocky rooms were connected wooden beams, stairs, balconies, and were numbered outside.
The monastery arose at the end of the 13th century. and existed until the end of the 15th century. There were temples, premises for farming and keeping livestock, refectories, numerous cells, but the most impressive is the large columned hall, 32 meters long.
A canopy covers the top of the monastery Chelter Caye Mountains , which was a good defensive means in those days.
The Chelter Marmara Monastery is not abandoned today; monks are engaged in its restoration.
Where is
Balaklava district, With. Ternovka.
How to get there
From the village Ternovka you need to go back a little along the highway, then turn towards the Chelter Kaya rock.
Good to know
You will have to climb to the monastery by steep slope. Narrow staircases carved into the rocks leading to another tier are framed by seemingly flimsy railings protecting from the abyss - it’s breathtaking.
Since the monastery is active and services are held here, the atmosphere of ancient and modern spirituality is so intertwined that it is difficult to understand where you are in reality.
The legend of the Maiden Tower from the city of Kyz-Kermen
Small settlement Kyz-Kermen It has been poorly preserved to this day, mainly fragments of defensive but very powerful fortifications, cave rooms, carved steps and stairs, remains of buildings - front gates, watchtowers.
And yet the excursion is a pleasure - the labyrinths of ancient buildings, the unchanged wonderful landscapes, the legends of this ancient settlement and the terrible facts of the sacrifice leave mixed emotions.
Little is said about the history of this settlement; it is possible that it arose in the 6th century. BC. But according to archaeologists and scientists, it had its greatest development and flourishing in the 8th-9th centuries.
Where is
Kyz-Kermen belongs to the Bakhchisaray district, but is located 12 km from it. The settlement is located on the plateau of Cape Kyz-Kule. Nearest village and landmark – With. Mashino.
How to get there
From Bakhchisarai by bus or other transport along the route to the village. Sinapnoye, get off at the Mashino stop and follow about 1 km north. But against the backdrop of the steppe and hilly landscape, the plateau will be visible from afar.
Good to know
The most interesting thing is the upper tier of the cave city and the plateau itself; a lot of evidence of ancient settlers has been preserved here. Be careful, many steps have long been damaged or completely erased by time.
In search of the “Sharp Peak” – Xuyren
Another significant cave fortification is Xueiren, translated as “Sharp Peak”, it is located on the territory of the Bakhchisarai region.
The main and only tower with strong walls was erected by the Byzantines from the 6th to the 11th centuries. ( exact time not indicated).
Great location on a high headland, just above the valley Belbek River , allowed us to control the situation.
The remains of residential structures and premises carved into the rocks, as well as tombs, were also found here.
Where is
10 km south of Bakhchisarai, near the villages Big Garden and Small Garden, on Cape Kule-Burun.
How to get there
Buses run from Bakhchisarai past the above villages. Getting off at the Maloe Garden stop, you need to cross the Belbek River (preferably over a bridge), then the central street of Bolshoy Garden and go out into the valley, where both the cape itself and the road leading to its foot will be clearly visible.
Good to know
The tower of the Xueiren fortress, although not completely intact, is in better condition than the towers in other ancient fortification cities. It reaches a height of 10 m from the previous 12, and on its walls, where the chapel was located, fragments of frescoes have been preserved.
By the way, for one thing, on the way you can turn to Ai-Todor rock and visit the Chelter-Koba cave monastery and the active church of St. Theodora.
Free visit to cave cities
The situation with paying for tickets at the entrance to protected areas seems to be coming to a final conclusion.
Tickets may state that visiting the site without a guided tour is prohibited and impose a tour guide on you for money. Here I don’t know what to do and what papers to wave in front of my nose "entrance key holders" . The main thing is that you must be prepared to defend your rights if they are grossly violated. Although in some places this is not the case. Most recently, this
Dear friends, I must say that not all cave cities and monasteries of Crimea have been thoroughly studied. Archaeological excavations and research are still being carried out in some places, and perhaps the next time you are ready to repeat your journey through the ancient cave cities, you will hear something new.
With this, I say goodbye, I expect comments and reviews from you - I hope you subscribed to updates ? For those who are serious about traveling to Crimea, our video guide “How to organize a trip to Crimea yourself in 24 hours.” Do not miss! Here video .
Finally, a few articles for your reference:
Chufut-Kale
Tepe-Kerman
Bakla
Kyz-Kermen
Kachi-Kalyon
Chelter Marmara
Shuldan
Kyz-Kule
“Cave cities of Crimea” are the ruins of medieval cities, fortresses and monasteries located on mountain plateaus and rocky capes in the southwestern part of Crimea. Most of them are located in the Bakhchisarai region and near Sevastopol.
The first “cave cities of Crimea” were allegedly founded in the 5th-7th centuries. tribes inhabiting the Crimean steppes and foothills - Scythians, Sarmatians and Alans, fleeing the invasion of nomads in inaccessible mountainous areas.
In addition to natural fortifications - impregnable steep cliffs, mountain settlements were reliably protected by defensive walls, battle and watchtowers, and fortress ditches. Due to their favorable location near busy trade routes, they often turned into large centers of crafts and trade. The reasons for the death of the “cave cities of Crimea” are different: some of them were destroyed by wars and devastating raids of nomads, others were abandoned by residents after the change in the political situation on the peninsula, when their population no longer needed to hide on the high mountain plateaus behind powerful fortress walls. Many cities existed for several centuries, and the inhabitants of the last of them - Chufut-Kale - left the city in the middle of the 19th century. The most famous and most visited of these places are Chufut-Kale, Eski-Kermen and Mangup.
CHUFUT-KALE
Today, only silent ruins, meager chronicle information and local legends remind us of the former greatness of the “cave cities”. Chufut-Kale is the best preserved “cave city”, located three kilometers from Bakhchisarai. The time of the founding of the city is unknown: some researchers attribute it to the 6th century, others to the 10th-11th centuries. In 1299, the troops of the Golden Horde captured the fortress by cunning, placed their garrison in it and named the city Kyrk-Or, which means “forty fortifications” in Tatar. At the beginning of the fifteenth century. Karaite artisans, descendants of Turkic tribes who professed a version of Judaism, settled in Kyrk-Ora. They built a new part of the city, and soon Kyrk-Or turned into a major center of crafts and trade in the South-Western Crimea.
Karaite houses of worship are kenas. In the 15th century the city became the fortified residence of the first Crimean Khan Hadji Giray, who fought for the independence of the Crimean Khanate from the Golden Horde. However, after the fall of the Golden Horde, the Kyrk-Or fortress lost its defensive significance. In the fertile valley at its foot was the capital - Bakhchisaray (“city in gardens”), where the khan and his subjects moved, leaving only the Karaites to live on the top of the mountain. Since they were considered Jews, the city received its last name— Chufut-Kale (“Jewish Fortress”).
Local Karaites were artisans and traders, sometimes engaged in agriculture and cattle breeding. The richest of them kept shops in Bakhchisarai, but they were only allowed to stay there until sunset, and at night they had to return to Chufut-Kale. After the inclusion of Crimea into Russia in 1783, Catherine II allowed the Karaites to settle in Bakhchisarai, Yevpatoria, Simferopol and other large cities of the empire. For Chufut-Kale, this was the beginning of the end: one after another, the residents left the rocky plateau with harsh conditions life, and by the middle of the 19th century. the city was completely deserted. Most of the city buildings were dismantled by the residents themselves, who needed material for the construction of new houses in Bakhchisarai.
Today, city blocks are shapeless piles of stones that were once two-story, back-to-back houses. A unique monument medieval architecture- the remains of the city’s fortress walls, the height of which reaches 10 and the thickness of 5 meters. At the South Gate of the city, the wall forms a “mousetrap” - a narrow passage into which the enemy fell, breaking through the upholstered wrought iron gates. During a siege, a flooring was built over the passage, from which boiling water and tar were poured from cauldrons onto the enemy. Nearby are four-tiered battle caves. Karaite prayer houses - kenas, well preserved to this day, were built in the 14th and 18th centuries.
One of the oldest cemeteries in Crimea The structure of both kenas is the same. In the first room, old people prayed, sitting on benches, and men prayed in the large hall. The women prayed separately on a balcony behind a wooden lattice.
Another attraction of Chufut-Kale is the Karaite cemetery in the Josaphat Valley, one of the oldest in Crimea. Scientists believe that the oldest burials on it date back to the mid-13th century. Back in the 19th century. among the white-stone tombstones in the cemetery grew centuries-old oak trees, the cutting of which was considered great sin. Therefore, among the Tatars the cemetery was called “Balta-Tiymez” (literally “the ax does not touch”), and the khan’s officials extorted regular taxes from the Karaites, threatening to cut down the sacred oaks if they refused.
ESKI-KERMEN
Like Chufut-Kale, Eski-Kermen (translated from Tatar as “old fortress”) was located on the top of a table mountain with steep cliffs. The city was founded at the beginning of the 1st century. and existed until the end of the 13th century. The “Old Fortress” had a powerful fortification system for those times, and the steep cliffs on which the city was located were practically impregnable. Eski-Kermen developed and flourished until the end of the 8th century, when it became one of the centers of rebellion against the Khazars, who oppressed the local population. Having suppressed the rebels, the Khazars completely destroyed the city's defense system.
However, after this, life in the city did not die, and it existed for another five centuries as an open, unprotected settlement. Eski-Kermen was finally defeated and burned in 1299 by hordes of Nogais. Gradually its ruins were covered with earth and overgrown with bushes; Only numerous caves remained unchanged.
Seven centuries have passed since the destruction of the city, but in some caves you can still see the remains of religious buildings. For example, the Temple of the Three Horsemen, which got its name thanks to a fresco preserved on the wall above a grave carved into the rock. It depicts three horsemen, the middle of whom, St. George the Victorious, strikes a serpent with a spear. The figure of a boy is visible next to one of the riders on a horse. Under the image are traces of a Greek inscription: “The church was carved and the holy martyrs of Christ were written for the salvation of the soul and the remission of sins.”
In a cave to the east of the city gate there is a semblance of a tombstone with a cross carved in a circle. Archaeologists suggest that here was the burial of one of the prominent residents of the city, since according to medieval tradition, the most honorable citizens were buried at the gate.
In Eski-Kermen, numerous casemates have been preserved, equipped with special holes in the floor through which stones could be thrown onto the attacker. Not far from the casemates there are grain pits. Due to the frequent sieges of the city, they kept a constant supply of grain, replenished by residents of the surrounding villages, who took refuge from uninvited guests behind the fortress walls.
MANGUP
“The rock on which this citadel rises has a circumference of 20 thousand steps. That rock spreads out like a flat plain, overgrown with grass and tulips, and around it abysses gape a thousand arshins deep—the real abysses of hell!” - a Turkish traveler of the 17th century wrote about Mangup. Evliya Celebi. Mangup still produces a similar impression of grandeur on travelers today, although more than two hundred years have passed since its last inhabitants left it. researchers don't have consensus about the time of the emergence of Mangup.
Excavations have shown that already in the first centuries AD there was a small settlement on Mount Mangup, and the first fortress was built in the 5th-6th centuries. The remains of defensive fortifications that have survived to this day date back to a later period - the XIV-XV centuries, and inscriptions on stones and chronicle sources indicate that in the XIII-XV centuries. the city was called Theodoro and was the capital of the principality of the same name. It was ruled by princes from the noble Byzantine family of Gavras, who previously dominated Trebizond. In Russian chronicles the principality was called Mangup, and in Western European documents it was often called “Gothia”.
The Principality of Theodoro was one of the largest in Crimea. In its heyday, its borders in the northeast reached the Kacha River, in the west - to the territories of Chersonesos, and in the south, before the advent of the Genoese, the principality most likely belonged to the entire coast from Alushta to Balaklava. The inhabitants of Theodoro - Greek descendants of the Tauri, Scythians, Sarmatians and Alans - were engaged in agriculture, cattle breeding, fishing and handicrafts, fought, built fortresses and founded ports. Crafts and trade flourished in the Principality of Theodoro and its capital.
The tools found during excavations indicate the development of blacksmithing, and ceramics, including Chersonesos, indicate the intensive trade that the principality conducted. Here the interests of the Theodorites often collided with the interests of the Genoese, who settled on the Crimean coast and were engaged in trade, which often led to wars. The Principality of Theodoro was considered a serious political force not only in Crimea: the rulers of neighboring states sought to enter into an alliance with it and entered into dynastic marriages. The sister of the last Mangup prince Alexander was the wife of the ruler of Wallachia, Stephen III, and the Moscow Grand Duke Ivan III intended to marry his son to another sister of the prince. The marriage was interrupted by the Turkish invasion of Crimea.
“Cave cities” is a conditional name. In the old days, their development consisted mainly of above-ground structures - residential, religious and defensive. In the summer of 1475, an army of thousands of Turks landed at the walls of Kafa (Feodosia) and soon occupied the entire coast. After the Tatars went over to the side of the Turks, the Principality of Theodoro was left alone with a formidable enemy. Turkish army approached Mangup, where she met desperate resistance from his defenders. The siege of the doomed city lasted almost six months; the Turks stormed the fortress five times, but were never able to take it.
Only in December, exhausted by hunger, the Theodorites laid down their arms and surrendered to the mercy of the Turkish Pasha, who promised to spare the defenders of Mangup. Pasha did not keep his word: most of the city's inhabitants, including Prince Alexander, were brutally killed, and the city itself was burned and destroyed. For another three hundred years, a Turkish garrison was stationed in the deserted city, and after the annexation of Crimea to Russia, the last inhabitants left Mangup.
In addition to defensive walls and cave casemates, the ruins of a citadel of the 5th-6th centuries, an early medieval cemetery, the remains of the temple of St. Constantine and Helen, the ruins of street blocks and a large stone house, where, as researchers suggest, the palace of the rulers of Mangup were located, have survived to this day. In the southern part of the house there was a main hall with a terrace, the walls of which were decorated with frescoes, and the door frames were decorated with marble. Not far from the house there is the highest point of Mangup, from which a majestic panorama opens over almost the entire territory former principality Feodoro - from Chatyr-Dag and Babugan in the east to the Balaklava heights in the south. In the west the surface of the Black Sea sparkles, behind the nearby mountain you can see Eski-Kermen, in the north you can see the cliffs of Tepe-Kermen and Knchi-Kalyon, and beyond the hills of the foothills stretch the Crimean steppes - the cradle of the Crimean civilization, the beginning and end of the “cave cities”.
The Dzhanyke-Khanym mausoleum (XV century) is one of the few well-preserved buildings in Chufut-Kale. Inside the mausoleum, on a low pedestal, there is a stone sarcophagus on which is carved Arabic inscription: “This is the tomb of the famous Empress Dzhanyke-Khanym, daughter of Khan Tokhtamysh, who died in 1437.” In the Bakhchisarai region of Crimea there are famous cities carved directly into the rocks, which are historical monuments. These cities owe their name “cave” to the fact that only the rooms located deep in the rocks were preserved, and the above-ground buildings were destroyed.
These cities, which are similar to Medieval castles in Europe, were built in the region in the 5th and 6th centuries. This was a period when nomads threatened to raid settlements, and fortresses were built to protect against them. And monasteries and cities were also built, founded by followers of icon worshipers from Byzantium.
Eski-Kermen
This city was discovered near Mangup, 6 kilometers from the village of Zalesnoye. When traveling by car, you can drive from the direction of the village designated as Red Poppy.
The city itself is located on a fortified place, on a plateau, surrounded by inaccessible rocks. On the surface in some places you can still see the remains of walls.
Mangup-Kale
You can also get to this city from Zalesnoye and Red Poppy. It is located 20 kilometers from the Mangup monument. After Zalesny, you need to go left along the path to the valley, in which Mangup-Kale itself can already be seen. It is located on a plateau that rises 584 meters above sea level. What is surprising is that the remains of human settlements dating back to Neolithic times have been found on this plateau. The construction of the city dates back to the 6th century, although from historical sources it is known that the Sarmatians settled here before, but no traces were found. The toll is surrounded on three sides by rocky walls, about 70 meters high, which served as natural protection from attacks.
Kachi-Kalyon Monastery
This settlement was discovered half a kilometer from the village of Bashatnovka, on the banks of the Kacha. Its origin dates back to the 6th century, and the monastery appeared already in the 8th-9th century. In the Kaminskoe Gorge, on a slope, there was a settlement that was destroyed in the 13th century. There are structures left in the rocks, located in four grottoes. In the grotto, called the Big Grotto, there are three-tiered cave buildings, and in the grotto, called the church grotto, a key with a water tank was discovered. This source is still considered sacred. A preserved church was also discovered, carved into a separate fragment of rock, and the caves around were adapted for cells and outbuildings.
The most striking thing in this city is the Big Grotto, with a dome and numerous caves connected by bridges and stairs. You can also explore the remains of walls on the surface, the Church of Anastasia, the Church of St. Sophia made of a block of limestone and various outbuildings.
Tepe-Kerman
This is an ancient fortress, located 14 kilometers from Bakhchisarai, near the Beshik-Tau mountain. One slope of the mountain is covered with forest, and from the south many multi-tiered caves have been cut down in it.
The fortress arose in the 5th-6th century and belonged to a private person. The city is located on a separate rocky plateau, and when translated “Tepe-Kermen” it turns out “fortress on the top”. There are approximately 250 caves arranged in groups on the slope. On the plateau there are much fewer of them.
You can get to the fortress in the north-west of the plateau, and see the outbuildings, the Temple of Constantine and Helen, and the church with the baptistery in the cave.
Kyz-Kermen city
This city is located 2.5 kilometers from the village of Kudrino, separated from Tepe-Kermen only by a deep ravine. This Big City, which could have become a center of trade and craft, but was destroyed by the Khazars in the 9th century. The settlement was never restored after this. The city itself is located on a cape, and there are few cave buildings here. But you can walk around and explore what remains, and admire the view of neighboring Teme-Kermen.
Bakla
The city is located away from popular tourist routes and is therefore rarely visited by people. It is located between the Alma and Bodrak rivers, two kilometers from the village of Skalistoe.
It was founded in the 5th-6th century, and later a citadel was added to it, which was located on the very edge of the cliff. There was a village behind the walls of the fortress. From the south the city is protected by a cliff, and from the north-west a fortress wall with towers was built. There are about 100 caves adapted for premises. The city existed until the 13th century, but after the Tatar-Mongol raid it was destroyed and never recovered.
City of Chufut-Kale
The beginning of the existence of this city is determined by the 6th century. The founders are considered to be the Sarmatians, after which it was ruled by the Khazars and Christians.