Crimea is an amazing place where colorful antiquities and modern entertainment complexes, mysterious cave cities and luxurious hotels peacefully coexist. The unique nature and mild climate of the peninsula attracts tourists from all over the world to these parts all year round. The map of Crimea, like a multi-colored Tatar scarf, is replete with many unusual places.
If you are going on a trip to the peninsula for the first time, be sure to think over the cultural program in advance. Of course, you will not be able to see all the wonders in one trip, even if it lasts a long time. But some places must be visited without fail. One of them is Cape Khersones.
A difficult fate
Crimea from time immemorial has been not only a favorite vacation spot for powerful rulers, but also a kind of apple of discord, a tasty morsel. There was no end to those who were eager for him. It was a springboard for wars and changed hands many times. Cape Chersonesus, due to its location, ancient infrastructure and natural beauties, has more than once become the arena in which the main events unfolded. It goes into the Black Sea,which makes it of strategic importance. Of course, the conquerors of all times could not help but be tempted by its beauty and convenience of location. He has survived more than one change of power.
The city on the cape was founded in ancient times by the ancient Hellenes. Back in the 5th century BC, the first buildings began to be laid here. The big names of many great rulers are associated with the city on the cape. This is Tsar Mithridates, Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar, Prince Vladimir. The name "Chersonesus" is translated from Greek as "peninsula". His definition of "Tauride" means that he was on the land of the Taurians. The entire southern coast of Crimea was called Taurica in ancient times. Old Russian chroniclers called this place Korsun.
What do the ruins hide?
Cape Khersones (Sevastopol) attracts not only tourists, but also scientists. Archaeologists have been searching here for almost two hundred years. The Tauric Chersonese reserve today is one of the most studied ancient cities. The ruins of the city have not yet revealed all their secrets. They keep the secrets of many eras and are in no hurry to share them with people.
Scientists know that Chersonese was a city-state with a developed infrastructure. It experienced its heyday in the period from the 4th to the 2nd centuries BC. e. Excavations and ancient chronicles testify that in those days a slave-owning system reigned there, but the form of government was democratic.
The ruins keep traces of the Scythian culture. Countless hordes of steppe dwellers raided there in the 2nd century BC. e. The townspeople were forced to ask for help frompowerful king Mithridates VI Eupator. The Scythians retreated, but the city lost its independence. Then the policy became part of the Roman Empire and finally lost both independence and democracy. History lovers tend to see Cape Khersones not only for its beautiful nature, but also for the sake of antiquities.
Outpost of Christianity
These places attract pilgrims too. Christianity penetrated Chersonesos in the 4th century. Through the efforts of the holy bishops, a diocese was immediately founded here, the center of which was Cape Chersonese. Archaeological finds dating back to the same time are often associated with Christian symbols: tombstones with epitaphs, pectoral crosses, fragments of painting. Especially many temples were built in the 5th century. This is due to the intention of Emperor Justinian I to unite the entire vast country with the help of a single religion. The first Christians were forced to hide in caves, but later such a need disappeared. Archaeologists have found that almost every district of the ancient city had its own temple.
Visiting Cape Chersonese, pilgrims go to the cave temple-mausoleum, the Six-Pillar Temple, the arched temple, the memorials of Our Lady of Vlachensk, St. Vladimir Cathedral. The Kruse Basilica is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city. Now only ruins have remained of it, past which many excursion routes pass. The ruins of several ancient basilicas built in the early and middle Middle Ages are located on Cape Chersonese.
Echoes of war
Store theseplaces and memory of the tragic events of the Great Patriotic War. You can visit the "Defense of Sevastopol" panorama, stroll through the WWII museum, go down into the catacombs, which once housed submarine repair shops. Cape Khersones has become a film set more than once. Some scenes of the sensational film "Battle for Sevastopol", which is dedicated to one of the milestones in the history of the region, were filmed in its vicinity.
Reserve
Chersonese Tauride in 1994 received the status of a national reserve. Today it is a large-scale research center, which consists of many departments and expositions. The main historical monument is the settlement of Khersones itself, located on a cape. On its territory there are the following objects that attract tourists so much:
- The central square of Chersonese, which was founded during the construction of the city. It retained its functions throughout the history of the city. Temples were built on it at different times: first ancient, then Christian. Currently, the majestic Vladimir Cathedral rises on the central square, which was restored on the site of the destroyed predecessor of the 19th century.
- Ancient Chersonese theatre. It is unique in its kind. It has no analogues in the CIS. The beginning of construction dates back to the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries. The theater hosted social gatherings, festivities and gladiator fights. With the advent of Christianity, it lost its significance, was ruined and built up.
- The basilica in the basilica is famous for the fact that on the ruins of the ancient sanctuary there wasa new one was erected. In 2007, it was desecrated by vandals. Several ancient pillars are hopelessly destroyed.
- Zeno's Tower, erected in honor of the emperor.
- The ruins of the defensive city walls, which in ancient times protected Cape Khersones. Photos of these ancient ruins are famous all over the world.
Most excursions are paid. The cost depends on the volume of services of the guide, duration and, of course, on the exhibits themselves. 100-250 rubles - the average ticket price, which allows you to visit one of the places that Cape Khersones is famous for. Tourist reviews convince you that on the territory you will find stalls where you can buy souvenirs, choose local delicacies for a snack, top up your mobile account.
Nature and climate
The Crimean peninsula is famous for its long holiday season and fabulous air. Cape Khersones is washed by the Black Sea, in which you can swim in May, September and, of course, all summer. There is relatively little rain here. During the holiday season they are very short. It was not for nothing that the ancient rulers chose this place for their residences. The nature here is really beautiful.
How to get there?
If your plans include visiting such a wonderful place as Cape Khersones (Sevastopol, Crimea), the reviews of avid travelers can help you a lot. Experienced tourists recommend starting from the Sevastopol railway station. You will need to go to st. Dm. Ulyanov. You can get there by trolleybus number 10 or 6,or you can comfortably ride a fixed-route taxi (No. 107, 109, 112).
Change to the 22nd bus and go towards the sea. From the final you will have a short walk towards the street. Ancient. Don't worry if you get lost - there are signs everywhere. In addition, the flow of tourists will take you where you need to go. You will have a beautiful view of Cape Khersones. Crimea is called the Treasure Peninsula for a reason, isn't it?
Beach
Going to Chersonese, you probably were sure that you could admire its beauties, but you hardly suspected the opportunity to enjoy the gentle sea. The museum, after all … In fact, it’s worth taking bathing accessories on the tour. Yes, yes, one of the attractions that Cape Khersones is famous for is the beach. The level of comfort and livability there is not so chic, but this does not interfere with the popularity of those places. After long walks, the sea will give you the long-awaited coolness, and on the shady shore you can have a good rest.
