Kerch is one of the most ancient cities in the world, a Mecca for connoisseurs of ancient architecture, fascinated by history and wishing not only to touch the myths, legends and legends of the ancient world, but also to see them for themselves. By a happy coincidence of circumstances, the sights of Kerch, numbering more than a thousand years, have reached our time, and see them can any guest of the hero-city. It is thanks to this rest in Kerch is becoming increasingly popular.
Kerch’s past goes back to the prehistoric period. This is evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. People, or rather, our ancestors — Neanderthals, on the Kerch Peninsula lived already 100 thousand years ago. The oldest finds date back to the III-I millennia BC. — These are burial mounds and remains of settlements of farmers and cattle breeders — Gleiki, Kamenka, Mayak I-II and others. Well, the history that continues to this day, began for Kerch in the VI century BC, when the ancient Ionians began to establish cities on the shores of the strait connecting the Azov and Black Sea. One of these cities was Panticapaeum — the present-day Kerch.
This city experienced several legendary historical epochs. Until the VI century AD it was the capital of the Bosporan kingdom — the richest and largest city of the Northern Black Sea coast. From VI to VIII centuries it witnessed the power of the Roman Empire, being under its rule, from VIII century it was owned by Khazar Khaganate, in IX-X centuries it was part of the Tmutarakan principality, from 1318 became part of the Genoese colonies, from 1475 it went to the Ottoman Empire. Kerch became part of the Russian Empire at the end of the XVIII century after the Russo-Turkish War. Nowadays it is the land of Ukraine.
Each people who owned the city changed its name. So from Panticapaeum under the Romans it was called Cesareon, then the city was called Kareon, after — Kersh or Kerch. It is also known that at different times it was called Korchev, Bosporus, Cherkio.
The richest historical heritage could not but leave an imprint on the appearance and architecture of Kerch. Today, the city, which is more than 2600 years old, has preserved a lot of sights of its periods, so vacation in Kerch attracts tourists from all over the world.
The picturesque ruins of ancient cities stand silently in the vicinity of Kerch. In the south of the city it is Nymphaeum, founded at the same time with Panticapaeum and existed until the III century AD, in the north — Myrmeky, who was born and died at the same time with Nymphaeum, and in Kerch itself in the area of Mount Mithridates there are ruins of colonnade and buildings of Panticapaeum.
Attracted by their secrets and romance ancient and ancient fortresses: Yeni-Kale XVIII century on the shore of the strait, built in the times of the Bosporan kingdom Ilurat, which is 12 km west of the city, Arabat XVII century in the area of village. Kamenskoye and the eponymous fortress of Kerch, erected in the middle of the XIX century.
In the architecture of the city a lot of pearls and eye-catching buildings of religious, public and residential purposes. One of the brightest is Church of St. John the Baptist of the VIII century, perfectly preserved to our time. However, not all the sights of Kerch have been explored yet.
Mithridates Mountain keeps many secrets. It is notable not only for its history, the remains of Panticapaeum and the most beautiful Big Mithridatskaya staircase of the early XIX century, erected according to the project of the outstanding Italian architect A. Digby. In its depths, a priceless monument of bygone eras — the whole country of the dead — is hidden from the eyes. The northern slope of the mountain is the former necropolis of Panticapaeum, under the ground according to approximate estimates hidden about 5 thousand burial chambers, of which explored no more than 10-th part.
Other interesting tourist sites in Kerch include such Crimean attractions as Ajimushkay quarries (Museum), Kings’ Mound of the 4th century BC. — The tomb of the Bosporan king, the world-famous monument of the ancient period — the Crypt of Demeter of the I century and many others.
But today this hero-city is not only numerous sights. All who come to one of the most ancient cities of the world on vacation Kerch meets a pleasant climate, beautiful and clean beaches, not one but two seas, developed infrastructure for the best, unforgettable, pleasant vacation. To be here at least once in your life is a must!