Genoese fortress

Genoese fortress in Sudak - the largest of the strongholds of brave merchants and colonists, which is best preserved. Until now, science can not give an unambiguous answer to the question: when were the first stones of such a majestic creation of human hands laid? The history of this stronghold began with the justification of the Genoese in the Cafe, today it is the city of Feodosia. As a stronghold of the Soldaya colony fortress was built in the period from 1371 to 1469 years.

The fortress is located on an ancient coral reef, which is a cone-shaped mountain. The elevation is called Kyz-Kulle-Burun, which from Tatar means "Cape of the Maiden Tower". The fortress is a model of the classical European bastions of the late Middle Ages. Stand before the towers of the stronghold at the fortress gate and you will see that its walls are so powerful and unassailable. From the west, the stronghold is difficult to access, from the south and east it is protected by the steep walls of the mountain, descending to the sea, and from the northeast a deep moat has been dug, which could only be crossed by a bridge at the heavy forged gates.

There are two tiers of defense fortress - it's the lower and upper.
The upper tier of defense includes the Consular Castle, connected by walls to one complex with four neighboring towers, one of which is called Sentinel, or Maiden. This dilapidated two-story tower is located on the highest point of the Fortress rock and figures in a lot of really beautiful legends and legends. They can tell you local people or guides. You can climb the centuries-old steps to the very top, to the Watchtower. Having reached the summit, you will be delighted with the fantastic view that opens before your eyes. You feel like a medieval watchman, who is serving on the inaccessible walls of the fort.

The lower tier is protected by a wall 6-8 meters in height and up to 2 meters in thickness. Fourteen battle towers, each 15 meters high, were built along the entire length of the wall. Also, the wall is fortified with a complex of Main Gates. It is noteworthy that each tower was built in different years and at the end of the erection was called the name of the consul, in which it was built. This tells us the plates with heraldic symbols and inscriptions on medieval Latin.

If you are a connoisseur of architecture and history, wishing to plunge into the atmosphere of the late Middle Ages, forever gone, visit the Genoese fortress in Sudak!This fortress is one of the most interesting places in Ukraine, along with Khotyn fortress.