Chufut-Kale

The most ancient settlements on the territory of modern Ukraine arose on the Crimean peninsula. Usually they had a defensive, fortification character. The "cave city" of Chufut-Kale, which is located on a plateau at an altitude of 500 meters, is not an exception and is surrounded on three sides by wide valleys. For today it is not known exactly who the city was founded. It is assumed that in the 11th century Khazars, Alans lived here. Later, these lands were conquered by the Tatars, and by the beginning of the 16th century Chufut-Kale served as the residence of the Crimean khans. Already in the 14th century, Karaite artisans began to inhabit the territory. Over time Tatars left this territory, and Bakhchisaray made their capital. In the 19th century the Karaites moved to other cities of the Crimea, as the living conditions there were better. Thus, Chufut-Kale left his last inhabitants, but tourists who want to plunge into his ancient history, do not leave this place today empty. Hidden in the heart of the Podgorny Crimea "cave city" is a favorite place for visiting tourists. The road to the medieval Chufut-Kale consists of a high rise, paths and steps. You will see the Assumption Church, a monastery, a cemetery, a spring with consecrated water. We enter the city through the massive ancient South (or Small) gate. They were created in place of the old wooden ones. Most of the ancient city is destroyed, but still fortified walls, towers, as well as the South and East gate, through which entered the city in chariots. The streets with narrow sidewalks, houses, Karaite prayer houses - kenases, remains of the khan's palace, mosques, mint, as well as the mausoleum of Tokhtamysh's daughter Khan were preserved.

The most ancient settlements on the territory of modern Ukraine arose on the Crimean peninsula. Usually they had a defensive, fortification character. The "cave city" of Chufut-Kale, which is located on a plateau at an altitude of 500 meters, is not an exception and is surrounded on three sides by wide valleys. For today it is not known exactly who the city was founded. It is assumed that in the 11th century Khazars, Alans lived here. Later, these lands were conquered by the Tatars, and by the beginning of the 16th century Chufut-Kale served as the residence of the Crimean khans. Already in the 14th century, Karaite artisans began to inhabit the territory. Over time Tatars left this territory, and Bakhchisaray made their capital. In the 19th century the Karaites moved to other cities of the Crimea, as the living conditions there were better. Thus, Chufut-Kale left his last inhabitants, but tourists who want to plunge into his ancient history, do not leave this place today empty.

Hidden in the heart of the Podgorny Crimea "cave city" is a favorite place for visiting tourists. The road to the medieval Chufut-Kale consists of a high rise, paths and steps. You will see the Assumption Church, a monastery, a cemetery, a spring with consecrated water.

We enter the city through the massive ancient South (or Small) gate. They were created in place of the old wooden ones. Most of the ancient city is destroyed, but still fortified walls, towers, as well as the South and East gate, through which entered the city in chariots. The streets with narrow sidewalks, houses, karaite prayer houses - kenases, remains of the khan's palace, mosques, mint, as well as the mausoleum of Tokhtamysh's daughter Khan were preserved. Behind the mausoleum the plateau abruptly breaks off, thanks to which one can observe the picturesque landscapes: a beautiful panorama of the Crimean mountains opens with their highest peak Roman-Kosh. Near the kenasses there were terraces, where believers could rest, waiting for service. Various issues important for society were also solved here.

In 1730-ies in the territory of Chufut-Kale earned the first printing house in the Crimea, where books were printed mainly of religious content.

Quite interesting are the cave rooms in the rocks. You will see a whole cave complex, which during the attack of enemies performed a defensive function. There is also the assumption that it was here in the pre-Tartar period that there was a cave monastery.

A great impression is made on the visitors of the Iosfatov Valley, where the Karaite cemetery is located. They say that once there grew ancient oaks, which were strictly forbidden to cut. Today in the silence among the trees there are gravestones with various inscriptions. Water supply of the city was quite an urgent issue. It was believed that water was delivered to the city, and rainwater was used for household purposes. This statement was refuted only in the 21st century, when archaeologists unearthed a unique well near Chufut-Kale, which has no analogues in Ukraine. The depth of the well in the rock is about 40 meters. Today there are excursions to the well for all fans of thrill.

Visit the medieval town of Chufut-Kale, where once two centuries ago life was boiling. Here everything breathes old times and is covered with secrets.