The Genoese fortress is a complex of defensive structures built in the Middle Ages on the territory of a city such as Feodosia (Crimea). It was created back in the 14th century.
The fortress was built by the Republic of Genoa to protect Kafa - the largest port in the Crimea. Today, a historical and architectural reserve is located on these lands.
Many tourists flock here to enjoy the amazing views of the ancient walls and towers, breathe in the smell of antiquity that prevails here, and feel the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Let's get acquainted with the history of this majestic fortress.
Ancient city of Feodosiya. Origins
Feodosia (Crimea) is a city with an ancient history dating back more than twenty-five centuries. It was built in the 6th century BC. e. Greek settlers. At the beginning of the 4th century BC, it became part of the Bosporus state. Then Feodosia acquired its current name. It translates as "given by God."
The desire to capture the city was explained by its favorable geographical position and the presence in the Crimea of various raw materials for trade: wool, fish, s alt, honey and other expensive goods. Very fast Feodosiadeveloped into a prosperous trading settlement and one of the main slave-owning centers in the Crimea.
When Greece fell into decay, the city repeatedly passed under the control of the Roman Empire, the Khazars, or Byzantium. Until the 10th century, Theodosius was in a deplorable state. This was due to the fact that the Romans had their own trading ports, more convenient in location than the Crimean ones. Theodosius was also brought into decline by the raids of some nomadic hordes. In the XIII century, the city was under the control of the Golden Horde, after which it was bought by Genoese merchants.
Genoese period. Building a fortress
This time is considered the most prosperous in the history of the city of Kafa (Feodosia). The Genoese fortress, by the way, was built just then.
The beginning of prosperity can be attributed to about the middle of the XIII century. Genoese merchants, entering the Black Sea, noticed the undoubted advantages of the local bay. On the site of the ancient city, they arranged a trading settlement, which they called Kafa. And thanks to powerful fortifications in Constantinople, they took control of all sea routes leading from the Mediterranean to the countries of the East.
Soon Feodosia became the main Genoese colony in the Crimea. It was a major transit trade center. Through Feodosia, furs and wheat, gold and precious stones, porcelain and spices were brought from the East to European countries. But the main and most profitable commodity, as before, alas, remained numerous slaves.
In general, Feodosia was a prosperous city during this period. The population then numbered about 70 thousand souls. The city had itstheater and bank branch, minted their own coins.
Creation of the Genoese fortress
In the middle of the 14th century, the Genoese fortress was built to protect Kafa. This is not only a bright attraction, but also the real pride of the city of Kafa (Feodosia). The Genoese fortress was the second largest and also the most powerful in all of Europe. It was located in the south of the city, on the coast of the Feodosiya Gulf. She had two lines of defenses: the citadel - the heart of the fortress - and the outer part.
Its perimeter was over five thousand meters. It consisted of over thirty towers. Interestingly, each of them had its own name. Under the walls of the fortress there was a deep moat, which served not only to defend the city, but also to drain water into the sea.
The citadel was built on steep slopes that acted as primary defensive structures. The material for its creation was limestone, mined from the seabed or from nearby mountains. The total length of the walls exceeded 700 m. Their length was more than 11 m, and their width was about two. The citadel housed the consul's palace, the local treasury, the court, as well as warehouses with especially expensive goods - furs, silks, jewelry.
And although most of the buildings have been destroyed over the centuries, every inhabitant of the peninsula can proudly tell where the Genoese fortress is located, how it was created.
The siege of the fortress by the Golden Horde troops
It is connected with the fortress in the Cafeone of the most tragic events in Europe. We are talking about the plague epidemic that broke out in 1347-1351. It all started with the fact that the Golden Horde army, led by Khan Janibek, tried to capture the rich and prosperous city of Kafa (Feodosia). The Genoese fortress, we note, was built in such a way that it could withstand any attack. The Tatar cavalry simply did not have the opportunity to overcome the high and strong walls and cross the deep ditch dug in front of them. Dzhanibek had one hope left - to starve the inhabitants of the city. The Mongols' siege of the Genoese fortress in Crimea could have continued for many months, if not for the tragedy.
Summer heat and failure to comply with the most basic hygiene requirements, as well as the accumulation of a huge number of soldiers, provoked an outbreak of plague among the besiegers. Then, in order to capture the fortress as soon as possible, Janibek orders the bodies of the dead to be thrown over the walls. An epidemic begins in the city. Realizing what was happening, we althy Genoese merchants (and there were about a thousand of them in the city) secretly left Kafa and went home.
The remaining residents, trying to leave the infected area as soon as possible, hurried to open the gates and surrender. However, Khan Janibek, in order to prevent the spread of the epidemic in his army, did not enter the city, but left it without even closing it. Meanwhile, the Genoese, returning home, left a terrible disease in all the cities where they only stopped. The result was the most terrible epidemic in the history of Europe, which lasted more than three years and claimed the lives, according to various estimates, from a quarter to a half.the entire population of the continent.
Some countries and cities are completely empty. This epidemic is described in many literary works, including Boccaccio's Decameron.
Genoese fortress in the XV-XIX centuries
At the end of the 15th century Feodosia was captured by the Ottoman army. The Turks first destroyed the city, and then rebuilt it and renamed it. Now it was called Kefe. The city became the main Turkish trading port. The most famous slave market in the entire Northern Black Sea region was located here.
In 1616 the fortress was stormed by Zaporozhian Cossacks led by Peter Sahaidachny. They quickly defeated a powerful garrison and freed the prisoners.
From the end of the 18th century, Feodosia was part of the Russian Empire.
In the 19th century, the fortress was almost completely destroyed. And, oddly enough, the reason for this was not a war or a siege. The fact is that at that time there was a catastrophic lack of materials for the construction of houses and other structures. The locals had to dismantle the medieval fortress in order to use this stone.
Fortress in the 20th century
In 1920, Soviet power was finally established in the city. Feodosia (the Genoese fortress along with it), despite the destruction, continued to keep traces of its former power.
During the Great Patriotic War, most of the city, and with it the ancient fortifications, was destroyedGerman troops.
After the hostilities, Feodosia acquired the status of a resort. The ruins attracted tourists from all over the country.
Genoese fortress today
Today the fortress has practically not survived. All that remains of it is the southern and part of the western wall of the citadel, several towers scattered around the city. Also in the central part, some churches, Turkish baths and a bridge have been preserved.
Despite the fact that the Genoese fortress in Feodosia is not as famous as Sudak, today it remains a popular tourist destination. Perhaps due to the fact that the buildings were not restored, but managed to preserve the authentic, incomparable spirit of antiquity and the Middle Ages. And that is why the Genoese fortress is so attractive. Traveler reviews indicate that this is an amazing and unique place where you want to return again and again.
How to get there?
Today, perhaps, every resident of the city can easily tell you where the Genoese fortress is located. The tour can start right from the railway station area, looking at the tower of Constantine, located there. Finding the remains of the ancient citadel is very easy - just ask any passer-by where the Genoese fortress is located.
How to get there by transport? You can get there by minibus number 1 from the market. Or you can take a walk - it will take no more than half an hour, but the impressions will remain the most pleasant. You need to go along Gorky Street. After turning left, it will already be visibleGenoese fortress. The entrance, or rather the gate, is well preserved, but it is better to start the tour from the majestic bridge, which offers a magnificent view of the valley.
The fortress in Feodosia and art
The dazzling sun of Feodosia attracted many famous people. But it was glorified by the world-famous painter, marine painter Ivan Aivazovsky. Anton Chekhov preferred to rest here. Osip Mandelstam and Alexander Grin lived in Feodosia. By the way, it was here that his “Running on the Waves” was written.
Other surviving fortresses of Crimea
Fortifications in Feodosia are not only the Genoese fortress in the Crimea. As mentioned above, the merchants, trying to completely seize the sea routes, fortified various cities. One of these defensive structures has survived surprisingly well, and today it attracts many tourists. What is the name of the city in which the Genoese fortress is located? Pike perch.
Ticket price in rubles is about 150-160. And although there is practically nothing left of its central part, the walls of the structure still amaze with their grandeur and inaccessibility, clearly standing out against the backdrop of the bay. The fortress in Sudak, or, as it was then called, in Sugdeya, was built somewhat later than in Feodosia. Today it is a nature reserve. It is best to come there in August - at the indicated time, a large-scale knightly tournament is held in the fortress, lasting more than a week.
What else to see in Feodosia?
The medieval citadel is undoubtedly the oldest, but far fromthe only pride of Feodosia. Among other, no less beautiful, one can note the unique gallery of paintings by Aivazovsky, presented by the artist to his native city.
Another famous place is Green's house-museum, where the writer lived and worked. The amazing world of science fiction works is recreated in the form of a ship. And, of course, do not forget about the numerous monuments and fountains, museums and squares that adorn the face of this magnificent city.
Feodosia is beautiful, as well as the preserved remains of the ancient Genoese fortress. The indescribable atmosphere of antiquity makes the heart beat faster and causes an irresistible desire to return to this bewitching city again.
