Mount Mithridates

Previously, on the Kerch hill was the mighty ancient city of Panticapaeum. Proof of its greatness are the stone ruins on Mount Mithridates. Twenty-eight centuries ago, the ruler of the acropolis, seated on the throne of the Bosporan kingdom, was Mitridat VI Evpator. He was a wise ruler and commander, a descendant of the Roman king Alexander of Macedon and the like-minded Persian king Darius. In honor of him, a mountain was named, meaning "the gift of Mithra" - the gift of the Persian sun god. The patron of the Panticapaeum was the Greek god Apollo, in honor of which a temple was erected on Mount Mithridates at the end of the 6th century BC. Now only columns have survived from him, next to which you can get excellent shots. Lovers of ancient culture and architecture here will be especially interesting.

Another archaeological discovery of Mithridates was the crypt of Demeter, which for many centuries was hidden inside this vast mound. On the walls of the crypt miraculously preserved murals - stories from Greek myths. Here is depicted the abduction of the daughter of the goddess Cory by the underground god Hades, as well as the running god Hermes, the nymph Calypso and, of course, the very goddess of fertility Demeter. Her image captures the attention of travelers. They called her "Crimean Gioconda", so penetrating is her view. Now only three halls of the crypt are open for visiting. In the first two can get everything, and the third way is open to units. There is a famous portrait of the Greek goddess.

Mithridates Mountain is of great importance for Kerchans also because it was on its slopes that German troops were defeated and soon expelled from the city. In 1943, Colonel Vasily Gladkov led a battalion of paratroopers of the 318th Novorossiisk Rifle Division broke through the fascist defense and hoisted a red flag to the top of the mountain. Later, they installed the Obelisk of Glory to the Kerch heroes and lit the eternal fire.

The Mithradates staircase leads to the top of the mountain. This magnificent creation in the style of classicism, with observation platforms, terraces and benches in the shade of trees, built by the architect Alexander Digby. Mythical creatures - griffins, guarding ancient burial places, will meet you on the way to the summit of Mithridates. Having overcome 423 steps of a ladder, you will appear in 91 meters above sea level. You will have a beautiful view of the Kerch bay. Here you will get bright and beautiful pictures. Once at the top of the mountain, lay the flowers to the obelisk of Glory in memory of the valiant warriors and dead soldiers.

Prior to Mount Mithridates you can reach any taxi that goes to the city center. At its foot there is the main square of Kerch, dedicated to the naval Black Sea fleet, and the Alexander Pushkin Theater.