Holidays in Bakhchisarai - what is the best way to relax, what are the prices, how to have an inexpensive vacation in Crimea? Beaches of Bakhchisarai What kind of sea was on the site of Bakhchisarai
Bakhchisaray- a city that has existed for more than five hundred years. It spreads exactly in that place of Crimea, where the plains turn into mountains and one natural zone replaces another. The city has a unique location. No other part of Crimea has so many attractions and beautiful views. It attracts tourists with its landscapes, mountain trails and, of course, attractions.
Before every person that chooses holiday in Bakhchisarai, a number of questions arise: where to stay, where to go to eat, what to see, how to get there, and in general, how much money to take with you! In this article we will give a clear answer to all these questions. If you are planning to vacation in Bakhchisarai, then this article will serve as a short guide for you, after reading which you will decide for yourself whether it is worth it or not!
How to get to Bakhchisaray?
When you decide to vacation in Bakhchisarai, you are faced with the question of how best to get there, how to get there more profitably and faster. Let's consider several options.
You are driving your car. After entering Crimea, take the H05 highway through Armyansk to Simferopol. This distance of 141 kilometers is covered on average in an hour and a half. Having passed through Simferopol, you need to get onto the H06 highway Simferopol - Sevastopol. Getting around the city will take you no more than 30 minutes. I recommend turning onto the new bypass through Marshal Zhukova Street (10 km after the airport, turn right, you’ll understand by the signs). Having left on the H06 highway, you will only have to drive 30 kilometers along the highway to Bakhchisarai, which is a 20-25 minute drive.
You are flying by plane to Simferopol airport. Once you land, you have two options. More expensive is to take a taxi to Bakhchisarai, this is on average 400 UAH (1600 RUR, 50 USD ). The budget option is to take minibus 98 to the railway station (ride 20 - 30 minutes, fare 2.75 UAH). At the railway station, take the train (40 minutes, 7 UAH), or buy a bus ticket (45-50 minutes, 10 UAH).
You arrived by train at the Simferopol railway station. Proceed according to the scheme described above. I recommend that you take a ticket to Bakhchisarai on the Sevastopol train, if possible.
After you get to Bakhchisarai, the first question that will arise before you is where to stay?
Where to stay in Bakhchisarai
Once you arrive in the city, you will have several options for where to find accommodation. Holidays in Bakhchisarai are not expensive, so vacationers always have no problem finding where to stay. So, let's look at several options.
Hotel "Bakhchisarai". It spread out in the place where the new district of the city turns into the old city. Room rate from 30 to 50(160 RUR,5 USD) UAH per day! There is nothing special about the rooms. They are designed for people who will only spend the night there.
If you are interested in a more expensive and comfortable option, then the Dilyara-Khanum hotel is suitable for you. Prices are already several times higher. Double economy room – 160 UAH, standard – 320 UAH, luxury – 800 UAH (660 – 3310 RUR, 20 – 100 USD ). Quadruple economy – 480 UAH(2000 RUR, 60 USD) . The rooms have air conditioning, saving you from the sultry heat, as well as free wi-fi Internet access. The hotel is located in the very center of the old city, close to the attractions.
Likewise, choosing vacation spot in Bakhchisarai, it is worth paying attention to the Prival tourist center. It is located a kilometer from the Khan's Palace. Any passerby will tell you how to get there. The price of rooms in the building varies up to 240 UAH (950 RUR, 30 USD ). It is possible to rent your own cottage, 250 – 400 UAH (1000 – 1600 RUR, 20 – 40 USD ), depending on the choice of cottage type. There is a swimming pool, parking, sauna and restaurant on site. I recommend this particular recreation center, as it offers the best price and is located in a very picturesque area of the city. And it’s not far from the attractions.
There is another option - rent an apartment. The advantage of this choice is that you are your own boss and can choose any area of the city. The cost of renting an apartment will not be more than 20 UAH (80 RUR, 2.5 USD ) day (with the condition that you rent for a month). If you want to withdraw for a shorter time, the amount is discussed individually. You can meet people who rent out their apartment at the railway station.
Once you've figured out where to stay, it's time to start looking for places to visit! And in Bakhchisarai there are a great many of them!
What to see in Bakhchisaray?
If you are a fan of walking around the sights and interesting places, then Bakhchisaray will seem like a paradise. The abundance of natural and cultural monuments will not let even the most active tourist get bored.
Holidays in Bakhchisarai cannot be considered complete without a visit Khan's Palace. Once upon a time, 500 years ago, the city was the capital of the Crimean Khanate, and the Khan's Palace was the main residence of the khan. There is quaint medieval architecture, a large park, and even monuments to the Second World War. The guides will always delight you with an interesting story, so you won’t be bored!
The next attraction of the city is Holy Dormition Cave Monastery. Have you ever seen a temple built right into a rock? You will see him in Bakhchisarai. The monastery houses several icons, including the main shrine of the monastery - the icon of the Mother of God.
Through the Holy Dormition Cave Monastery lies the road to cave city Chufut-Kale. This is another unique attraction of Bakhchisarai. In Chufutka you can see ancient cave houses and narrow streets. From the northern edge of the city there is a panoramic view of the Bakhchisarai Valley. It is also noteworthy that a huge number of films, both Soviet and modern, were filmed in Chufut-Kale.
Most recently, a miniature park opened in the city. There are a wide variety of small scale replicas of large objects on display, such as buildings and airplanes. Very interesting and entertaining, not only for children, but also for adults. Entrance to the park will cost 80 UAH (320 RUR, 10 USD).
Visit Bakhchisarai and not climb the mountain Mount Ai-Petri– tantamount to great stupidity! This mountain separates the Yalta and Bakhchisarai regions. Its height is more than 1 kilometer above sea level. And from the top there is an indescribable view of the southern coast, including Greater Yalta. On Ai-Petri in winter you can rent snowboards or skis and add a little bit of extreme sports to your holiday. During the summer, numerous bars, restaurants and hotels are open. It is proposed to rent an ATV or a mountain bike. Clean air and unique landscapes make this place a must-see on your travel itinerary. In order to get to Ai-Petri, you need to follow the road from Bakhchisarai to the village of Sokolinoe. Directly from there the climb up the mountain along the serpentine begins. It takes from 30 – 50 minutes. If you got to Sokolyne by bus, then taxi drivers will happily serve you there at a price of 150 - 200 UAH (700 RUR, 20 USD ) for climbing the mountain.
By the way, speaking about the village of Sokolinoe, one cannot fail to mention donkey farm. Quite fascinating excursions are held there for tourists. Vacationers are invited to ride a donkey to one of the hills. Along the way you will be told about the history of these places. And on the mountain itself you will see oxen - huge animals with long horns.
When you return to Bakhchisarai from Ai-Petri, you can stop by Mangup-Kale. This is another ancient cave city of Crimea. It is noteworthy that during the Great Patriotic War the Crimean partisans took refuge there. In Mangup, as in other interesting places, there are the most diverse restaurants and bars that serve delicious food. But more on that in the next part of the article.
Where to eat deliciously in Bakhchisarai?
In the city itself, and in its area, there are a huge number of restaurants and bars. They offer a choice of dishes from Tatar, Ukrainian and international cuisines. But where exactly should you go to eat, where is it tastier and cheaper? I'll tell you about this.
Holidays in Bakhchisarai begin with the old town , that’s why I recommend the Pushkin restaurant to you. It is located within 100 meters from the Khan's Palace. Despite the above-average price, the restaurant will delight its visitors with delicious fish, meat and vegetable dishes. On average, it will cost 100 – 130 UAH per person at a time (500 RUR, 15 USD).
The Meyhane cafe is located in the city park. Not high prices and exceptionally tasty dishes will delight any visitor. You will be invited to sit in the gazebo, on the trestle bed, or inside. And there is a park area all around, so it’s a pleasure to relax in such a place! On average, you will need 70 - 100 UAH per person (350 RUR, 10 USD).
If you want to taste the most delicious lamb dishes that Bakhchisaray has to offer, go to Mangup! Local restaurants will surprise you with delicious delicacies. And not to say that the price is exorbitant. For one gathering per person on average it will cost 130 - 160 UAH (600 RUR, 18 USD ). But it's worth it!
If you want to try the most delicious pizza in the city, then head to the Obolon beer site in the new city. There is no such delicious pizza anywhere else in Bakhchisarai and the entire region! What could be better than drinking a glass of cold live beer in the evening in the company of loved ones? This is why the people of Bakhchisarai love this place so much. Price for pizza, on average – 50 UAH (200 RUR, 7 USD ), for a glass of beer – 7 UAH (28 RUR, 0.9 USD).
If you want to sit in an expensive restaurant, then you should pay attention to an establishment called “Markur”. The restaurant is located on the Simferopol-Sevastopol highway, 10 km from Bakhchisarai towards the capital of Crimea. There you can order a banquet, celebrate any holiday, or just sit quietly in a separate booth with family and friends. A holiday in such a restaurant per person will cost on average 160 – 200 UAH (800 RUR, 25 USD).
How to get to the sea from Bakhchisarai?
Bakhchisarai is also convenient because it is very convenient to get to various parts of Crimea, since it is located almost in the center of the peninsula, 30 kilometers from the capital and 33 kilometers from the sea. If you are planning to relax in Bakhchisarai in the summer, then you simply must go to the sea! Let's look at the two most popular options.
Go to Peschanoye. Within the Bakhchisaray district there is Peschanoye resort village. You can get to it by bus from the bus station, which will cost 8 UAH, or by car. The village itself has excellent pebble and sand beaches. The absence of stones in the water and the shallow shore create the most favorable atmosphere for relaxing with children. There are bars, restaurants and cafes.
- Go to Yalta. This legendary resort city is located 108 kilometers from Bakhchisarai, if you take the shortest road through Krasny Mak and Ternovka. If you go directly through Ai-Petri, it will be closer. You can also drive through Simferopol or Sevastopol - the road here is better, but driving through Sevastopol is closer. In Yalta, the beaches are pebble and sand, but there are a huge number of stones in the sea, which makes swimming there quite unsafe. Crowded beaches and huge prices on the embankment, twice as high as in Peschany, are disadvantages. However, thanks to the beautiful and picturesque nature, all the disadvantages are safely omitted.
From this article we learned how best to get to Bakhchisarai, where to stay, what you can see, where to go to eat and where it is closer and more profitable to go to the sea from here. At competently planning your holiday in Bakhchisarai you can easily save a certain amount, or relax to the fullest, sparing no expense! Holidays in Bakhchisarai are most suitable for active tourism, for traveling through local beauty and hiking in the mountains. So if you are planning to visit this truly beautiful place, then count on the fact that you will not have to sit in your room! Small trips, hikes and excursions, that’s what Bakhchisaray gives its guests.
This city has always been a kind of barometer in the life of the Crimean Tatars - you just have to trace the main milestones of its history from the Middle Ages to the present day. Its name, meaning "garden-palace", was given to the city when Bakhchisarai became the capital of the influential Crimean Khanate, which existed from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
Today it is a somewhat provincial, but charming town, where life begins to burst into full swing with the arrival of the season. In summer, hotels fill up, souvenir shops open early in the morning, and the aroma of lagman attracts tourists to cozy restaurants serving Tatar cuisine.
Travelers are attracted here not only by delicious and unusual national dishes. Subtle oriental flavor and ancient buildings in Ottoman and Byzantine styles create a unique atmosphere of the ancient city. The unique natural and climatic conditions have a healing effect on the entire body, and the nearby mountains attract lovers of active recreation.
How to get to Bakhchisarai
The atmosphere of Bakhchisarai is literally saturated with the flavor of the Crimean Khanate. Fortunately, you don't need to perform any feats to stroll through the palace gardens and narrow stone streets of the Old Town. The ancient capital is located in close proximity to Simferopol with its busy airport, receiving planes from many Russian cities, and a bus station, which attracts dozens of flights from all over the peninsula and mainland.
More information about how to get to Bakhchisarai is described on this page.
Search for air tickets to Simferopol (the nearest airport to Bakhchisarai)
Transport
Public transport in Bakhchisarai leaves much to be desired. There is a shortage of cars, which is especially noticeable in the high season, when the population increases thanks to tourists. Traffic stops at 19:00, after which you will have to take a taxi to get from the old city to the new one. The only plus is the low fare - 15 RUB. There are only 4 routes running around the city, of which only Nos. 1 and 2 are interesting from a tourist point of view. They go through the railway station and bus station to the Khan’s Palace, the Holy Dormition Monastery and the ancient Chufut-Kale.
The town itself is small, but in the vast Bakhchisarai region there are also many interesting places that are more convenient to get to by car.
Most taxi companies operate throughout Crimea. Popular destinations are from Simferopol airport to seaside resorts, but taxis are the fastest way to get around the city. Prices are moderate - 40 RUB landing and 15 RUB per km. Private owners charge the same amount, but catching a car on the street is risky.
Fans of active recreation will be interested in cycling around Bakhchisarai and its surroundings. This service is not as widespread here as in Europe, but there are several rental offices in the city. You can rent transport for several hours or days. Rental cost is 150 RUB per hour (starting from the 4th hour - 50 RUB) or 500 RUB per day (starting from the 4th day - 350 RUB). Prices on the page are for April 2019.
Maps of Bakhchisarai
Rent a Car
Sights are scattered throughout the Bakhchisarai region - the cave cities of Kachi-Kalyon, Kyz-Kermen and Chufut-Kale, the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, the Scythian Ust-Alminskoe settlement and many others. To explore all the historical and natural monuments, it is better to rent a car - public transport is infrequent, and taxi services can cost a pretty penny.
Hour-long traffic jams in Bakhchisarai are rare, but in the high season you will have to jostle in the center. There are paid and free parking in the city and near most tourist sites, the average price is 150-200 RUB per hour. Some hotels have their own parking lots.
Many companies take from 3,000 to 20,000 RUB as collateral for a car.
Rental companies operate throughout Crimea - these are Arenda-auto, “Crimea is yours”, “Crimean transfers” and others. There are also international companies on the market, such as Rentalcar. Depending on the class of car, the rental price varies from 1,200 to 10,000 RUB per knock.
Hotels in Bakhchisarai
There are few accommodation options in Bakhchisarai. There is more choice in the coastal villages in the western part of the region. There are also several holiday homes in the settlements closest to the regional center.
The number of rooms is represented mainly by guest houses and mini-hotels. Despite the lack of stars, the service is quite decent. Some hotels have a kitchen. Prices are moderate - from 600 RUB for a double room. A four-bed suite in the most expensive hotel in the city will cost 10,500 RUB per day.
In the surrounding villages you can find very budget options - from 250 RUB for a double room. True, there are almost no amenities, and the drive to the center is at least 20 km.
For those who want to relax and improve their health, there is a tourist and health center in the historical part of the city. The cost of living is from 400 RUB per bed in a dormitory room to 3000 RUB for a double suite.
What to bring
Souvenir shops are bursting with an abundance of wooden products - kitchen utensils, combs, boxes and much more. There is no special symbolism in this, but the name of the city or the silhouette of the Khan’s Palace carved on a tree will remind you of the journey for a long time.
Those who want to bring a unique gift should pay attention to essential oils. You can find them in pharmacies, shops and souvenir stalls. Most of the products of the Crimea-aromat plant are made from local raw materials.
Lavender, clary sage, rose, alfalfa, fennel and other medicinal herbs grow in the Bakhchisarai region.
Another calling card of the city is balms. Although the Crimean wine and cognac factory “Bakhchisarai” produces wines, vermouths, liqueurs and other alcoholic products, it is the balsam that has gained special love from tourists. It is infused with herbs and has healing properties. The “Bakhchisarai Collection” gift set includes 4 bottles with unusual names “Tavros”, “Finaros”, “Khan’s Palace” and “Ak-Mosque”.
Guide to Bakhchisarai (part 2)
Cuisine and restaurants of Bakhchisarai
In Bakhchisaray, ancient Crimean Tatar culinary traditions have been preserved better than in other cities of the peninsula. This is evidenced by a large number of establishments, the menu of which is dominated by pilaf, shish kebab, lagman, pasties, beshbarmak, “kubete”, shurpa and other national dishes. But those who don’t like experiments won’t have to go hungry either - the city has several eateries with traditional European, Japanese and Russian cuisine.
For an inexpensive, but filling and tasty snack, go to the cheburek shop. The menu has different fillings - meat, cheese, tomatoes and other vegetables. The price of a serving is 150-200 RUB.
For breakfast, the coffee shop serves excellent coffee and pastries; everything together will cost 600 RUB for two. For lunch or dinner, it is better to choose a good cafe or restaurant. Their prices can vary quite significantly. In a small eatery, lunch with wine will cost 400-500 RUB per person, and dinner in a middle-class establishment will cost from 1000 RUB. The average bill in the most expensive establishments in the city reaches 4,500 RUB for two.
The interior of many restaurants has an oriental flavor - low tables surrounded by sofas with soft pillows, on which it is pleasant to relax after a long excursion.
Guides in Bakhchisarai
Entertainment and attractions
Although there are not many attractions within the city limits, a walk through the center brings aesthetic pleasure and helps to understand the mentality.
After wandering through the narrow cobbled streets and admiring the ancient buildings, go to the main site - Bakhchisarai Palace, a unique example of Crimean Tatar architecture. Each ruler added something different to the palace complex; some of the buildings were completely destroyed and then restored according to the description, so there are buildings of different eras and styles here. The first in the period from 1508 to 1535. The Aleviz portal, the Sary-Guzel baths and the Khan-Jami mosque appeared. All buildings are richly decorated inside and out. One of the most famous buildings of the palace is the Fountain of Tears, surrounded by a romantic but sad legend.
Architectural diversity and rich historical past have made Bakhchisarai a “city of five centuries”.
Not far from the palace, on the rocks of the Maryam-Dere gorge, stands one of the most ancient Orthodox monasteries on the peninsula. The Holy Dormition Monastery was founded by the Byzantines in the 8th century. At different times, a hospital and a psychoneurological dispensary were located within the ancient walls; some buildings were recently restored from ruins.
Don’t forget to get water from the holy spring that flows near the walls of the monastery.
Another cave monastery, Kachi-Kalyon, is a 20-minute drive from the city. This place bears little resemblance to the usual Orthodox monasteries - there are no high white walls and golden domes. Kachi-Kalyon is a natural complex of grottoes connected by tunnels and passages. In the 6th-18th centuries there were active temples and monks lived here. Today it is one of the least explored and most mysterious medieval monuments in Crimea.
In memory of the stay of the Karaite people, who had sunk into oblivion, in these parts, the fortified city of Chufut-Kale, 2.5 km from Bakhchisarai, has been partially preserved. It stands on a mountain plateau; a winding rocky path leads to the South Gate. Most of the buildings are more like ruins, but those that have survived paint a picture of the life of the Karaites and the Crimean Tatars who later occupied the city. The most famous building is the mausoleum of the daughter of the Golden Horde Khan Tokhtamysh.
Bakhchisarai for children
There is not much entertainment for children in the city, but there is a place where you can have fun with the whole family, and it is better to devote a whole day to it.
In the historical center there is a park “Crimea in miniature in the palm of your hand”. This young attraction appeared in Bakhchisarai in 2013. Most of the territory will be of interest primarily to those who would like to travel around the whole of Taurida, but do not have the opportunity. On an area of 25 thousand square meters. m somehow miraculously fit the entire peninsula, or rather the most interesting places from a historical and architectural point of view - the Alupka Vorontsov Palace, the Alushta palace of the merchant Stakheev, the Sevastopol monument to sunken ships, the Juma-Jami mosque and much more.
In a separate zone there is a “Multipark”, on the territory of which there are figures of The Simpsons, Little Raccoon, Mickey Mouse, Smeshariki and other cartoon and fairy-tale characters. Thanks to the sound and play of light, they all seem to come to life. There is also a mini-zoo where small piglets, kids, chickens and peacocks live. All inhabitants can and should be fed and petted.
Weather
Thanks to its favorable location, the climate in Bakhchisarai is moderate. The mountains protect it from strong winds, and the proximity of the sea provides humidity. Severe frosts and suffocating heat practically never happen here. There is little precipitation; in winter it usually rains, less often snow, which immediately melts.
It is better to choose spring for excursion tourism. In April it is already quite warm, trees and flowers begin to bloom. Against the backdrop of reviving nature, the city looks especially romantic. But if you plan to visit the coast and swim in the gentle Black Sea, you should choose the beginning of June or the end of August.
Bakhchisarai can be considered one of the most interesting places in the “excursion” Crimea. Situated among picturesque mountain plateaus and valleys, surrounded by ancient cave cities, the former capital of the Crimean Khanate has fully preserved the charm of past eras.
The most significant cultural site of Bakhchisarai is the Khan's palace, where numerous excursions flock to get to know the history and culture of the Crimean Tatars better. On the streets of the old city quarters, cozy restaurants are hidden among terraces entwined with greenery, where guests will be fed delicious dishes of national cuisine. In the surrounding area there are several abandoned cave cities that were once prosperous and populous.
The atmosphere of Bakhchisarai is permeated with the flavor of the Crimean Khanate, which has passed into history. It is especially felt in the palace garden, near the walls of city mosques and on the narrow stone streets of the historical quarter.
Apartments and hotels at affordable prices.
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What to see and where to go in Bakhchisarai?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
A unique and only monument in the world of the palace architecture of the Crimean Khanate. Construction of the complex began in the 16th century under Sahib I Giray (Girey). Subsequently, each ruler made his own changes to the appearance of the palace. In 1736, the Khan's residence was burned down after the capital was captured by the troops of the Russian Empire. Later, the palace was restored according to the surviving description. In the XVIII-XX centuries. several restorations were carried out. Nowadays, the building is part of the Bakhchisaray historical and cultural reserve.
Selsebil fountain of the 18th century on the territory of the Khan's palace, which became famous throughout the world thanks to the famous poem by A.S. Pushkin "Bakhchisarai Fountain". Legend has it that the cruel khan Kyrym Geray (Girey) fell in love with the young slave Dilyare and made her his wife. But she soon died in his harem from melancholy. Khan suffered so much after her death that he called a master and ordered the construction of a monument - the “stone of tears”, which would embodied all the pain of his loss. This is how the Fountain of Tears appeared.
A group of stone road signs installed in 1784-1787. on the route of Empress Catherine II from St. Petersburg to Crimea. There are five such monuments preserved on the peninsula. One of them is located next to the Khan’s palace in Bakhchisarai, near the bridge over the Churuk-Su river. During her visit, the ruler stayed in the palace chambers, specially renovated for her arrival.
A miniature park located on an area of 2.5 hectares not far from the Khan’s palace. It was opened in 2013 with the aim of promoting Bakhchisarai as a tourist destination. All the main attractions of Crimea are presented here in reduced sizes: palaces, cathedrals, obelisks and other architectural monuments. In total, there are 53 miniatures in the park, made on a scale of 1:25.
An archaeological complex located on the site of the first capital of the Crimean Khanate in the village. Staroselye, which is located near Bakhchisarai. Devlet-Saray was previously a full-fledged Khan's palace. Only the mausoleum-tomb and the building of the madrasah have survived to this day. Since 2011, the Lariches Museum has been operating on the territory of the complex, where an interesting exhibition is presented with artifacts from the period of the Crimean Khanate: engravings, maps, manuscripts and books, as well as works by contemporary Crimean artists.
An Orthodox monastery in the Mariam-Dere tract, founded in the 8th century by monks from Byzantium. In the XIII-XIV centuries. the monastery fell into decay, but then was revived again. During the Ottoman conquest it managed to escape destruction. Until the 18th century, the monastery was the main religious center of all Crimean Christians. During the XVIII-XIX centuries. its territory was significantly expanded, several new buildings appeared. In 1921 the monastery was abolished. Its revival began in 1993.
A functioning monastery, which is located in artificial grottoes of the 6th century within the Mangup plateau on the slopes of steep rocks. The monastery was founded in the 14th century, but after the conquest of Crimea by the Ottoman Turks, it stopped working for a long time. The monastery was restored only at the end of the 20th century. From the platforms in front of the grottoes there is a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area of the monastery.
Muslim temple of the 16th-18th centuries. on the territory of Bakhchisarai, erected with donations from a relative of one of the Crimean khans. The building was built in a mixed style of classicism and baroque. The mosque is small in size and lacks traditional minaret towers. In the 20th century, the building housed warehouses for a long time. At the moment, the mosque has not yet been restored.
The temple was erected in 1707 by order of the daughter of Khan Selim I Geray (Girey). The tall minaret of the mosque dominates the architectural buildings of the old quarters of Bakhchisarai. The name of the structure, translated from Crimean Tatar, means “mosque made of boards”, since wooden beams were used in the construction and laying of the walls. Takhtaly-Jami is a functioning Friday mosque.
The temple of the early 20th century, erected for the 300th anniversary of the accession of the Romanov dynasty to the Russian throne. Like many other religious institutions, the church was closed in the 1930s. The premises were used for a long time as a granary and stable, and in the post-war years there was a cinema here. In the late 1990s - early 2000s. Reconstruction was carried out with donations from the Christian community.
An ancient cave monastery, approximately founded in the 8th century (according to indirect evidence) by Greek monks. It is located approximately 8 km from Bakhchisarai on the territory of the cave city of Kachi-Kalyon. Over the past centuries, it has experienced several periods of desolation and revival. A small number of monks lived here until the 1930s. In 2005, the monastery was restored after a long break by the brothers of the Holy Dormition Monastery.
A fortress city of the 5th-6th centuries, founded on the very border of the Byzantine possessions. At first, Alans lived in Chufut-Kale, then it was captured by the Kipchaks. After the peninsula came under the control of the Horde khans, the fortress turned into the center of a small principality - a vassal of the Golden Horde. In the 14th century, Karaites began to settle in the city, who left Chufut-Kale in the 19th century after the restrictions on the places of residence of this ethnic group were lifted.
An abandoned necropolis near Chufut-Kale with 7 thousand stone tombstones. This place was considered sacred, as it is located on the territory of a centuries-old oak grove. Oaks were considered sacred trees by the Karaites. Burials in the cemetery were carried out even after representatives of this nation left Chufut-Kale. The most recent graves date back to the beginning of the 20th century.
A cave city in the vicinity of Bakhchisarai, founded in the 6th century as a border defensive fortification. The development of Eski-Kermen began in the 10th century and reached its apogee in the 12th-13th centuries. At that time, more than 2,000 people lived on its territory. In 1299 and 1399 the city was ravaged twice by the Tatar-Mongols, after which it never recovered. Buildings dating back to the 6th-12th centuries have survived to this day.
Another cave city in the vicinity of Bakhchisarai, dating back to the 6th century. More than 230 caves have been found on its territory. According to some sources, Tepe-Kermen served as a defensive fortress; according to other sources, it was a monastery. The city existed until the 14th century until it was destroyed as a result of another campaign of the Golden Horde. Only ruins have survived to this day.
The Mangup-Kale fortress is located near the village of Zalesnoye at an altitude of 583 meters above sea level. It is believed that the first Scythian settlements appeared on this site in the 3rd – 4th centuries; from the 7th century the city entered the Khazar Khaganate. Later, Mangup-Kale became the capital of the late Byzantine principality of Theodoro and a Turkish fort. In the 18th century, the last inhabitants, the Karaite community, left the settlement. Since then it has been abandoned.
Cave monastery in the valley of the Kachi River, located on the territory of the Bakhchisarai region. In ancient times, it stood at the crossroads of trade routes that connected the steppe part of Crimea with the sea coast. The inhabitants of Kachi-Kalon were engaged in the production of wine, as evidenced by the surviving wineries and workshops where dishes for storing this drink were produced.
Natural stone sculptures up to 20 meters high, located in the valley of the Churuk-Su River (translated from Crimean Tatar this name means “rotten water”). The giants were formed naturally as a result of centuries-old weathering of rocks consisting mainly of limestone rock. The area was declared a natural monument of regional importance in the 1960s.
Stone blocks on the Uzun-Tarla hill, located near the village of Zalesnoye near Bakhchisaray. The height of the formation reaches 10-15 meters. Together with the rock, their size reaches 300 meters above sea level. Depending on the time of day, the sculptures “change” their appearance and resemble either stone figures from Easter Island or frozen fairy-tale characters. It all depends on the imagination of the beholder and on the lighting.
Besh-Kosh is a low rocky ridge made of limestone rocks, which is located on the eastern outskirts of Bakhchisarai. The view of the plateau opens just behind the last town houses. As a result of archaeological excavations in the Besh-Kosh area, traces of the settlement of the Tauri, who lived on the peninsula in the 8th-7th centuries, were discovered. BC. The ridge is the natural border of the picturesque Biyuk-Ashlama-Dere valley.
In the valley of the Churuk-Su River, is located Bakhchisaray- a resort town, inherited from the Crimean Khanate.
Bakhchisaray It is attracted primarily by its mild climate. Winds blowing from the mountains “cool” the heat, so even high temperatures are easily tolerated here. The peak of cold weather occurs in February - +0.8 °C, and the hottest month is July - +21.7 °C.
History of Bakhchisarai.
The name of the city is associated with its “heart” - . Translated from Crimean Tatar it means "garden-palace", which fully corresponds to the description of Khan-Saray. The future capital was formed at the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, when Khan Mengli I Giray began building a city in a small village Salachik, which later became the “support” of the Crimean Khanate. Later, in 1532, the son of the khan, Sahib I Giray began the construction of Khan-Saray, from which he began Bakhchisaray. With the completion of construction, the city becomes the new capital of the Crimean Khanate.
After the annexation of Crimea to Russia, the Tatar nobility and most of the population emigrated to Istanbul. Bakhchisaray quickly emptied and turned into an average county town.
The city experienced a “rebirth” already under Soviet rule: industrial enterprises were opened, destroyed monuments were restored.
Today on vacation in Bakhchisaray people come specifically to admire the quaint architecture, feel the oriental flavor and touch the centuries-old history.
Sights of Bakhchisarai.
“Crimean Istanbul” is another name for Bakhchisarai. Its unique architectural monuments are famous far beyond the borders of Russia, attracting tourists from all over the world like a magnet.
- . The legendary architectural monument from which the birth of Bakhchisarai began. This is a whole complex of individual buildings, completed and rebuilt over many years. Only here you can get into the enchanting atmosphere of the East and get acquainted with its unique architecture. Entrance is paid, the ticket price depends on the number of buildings visited - you will have to pay for the visit in almost every building of the complex.
- . Part of the Khan-Saray palace complex. Tourists are familiar with the work of A. S. Pushkin “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai”. Built in honor of the Khan's early deceased wife.
- . Founded by Byzantine monks, during the period of the Crimean Khanate it was the central stronghold of Christianity on the entire peninsula. Located 3 km from the city, in the town of Staroselye. You can get there either by your own car or by regular bus. The monastery occupies a fairly large area, so it is better to set aside a whole day for a visit.
- . Cave fortress city, founded in the 5th-6th centuries. All buildings are stone, organically fitting into the mountain landscape. Located on a mountain plateau, above the Assumption Monastery. In order to get here, you will have to walk about 1.5 km along a mountain road. It can be very hot on the plateau, so it is better to stock up on hats and drinking water.
- Mausoleum of Dzhanyke-Khanym. One of the attractions of the cave fortress city. It was built in honor of the daughter of Khan Toktamysh. Today it is a unique example of the architecture of Asia Minor. It is a small structure made of stone blocks with a massive portal.
- . Many Crimean attractions will appear before visitors in all their glory. In the park you can see all the most famous villas, palaces, estates and other architectural monuments of Crimea. For kids, the park offers a “Multipark” and a mini-zoo, where the furry inhabitants can be fed and petted.
Where to live in Bakhchisarai? There are a lot of regular buses. In addition to buses, Simferopol and Sevastopol are connected by an electric train, making a stop in Bakhchisarai. If you get from, then the only option is your own car; there are no bus routes from Yalta to Bakhchisarai.
Bakhchisaray is one of the significant cities of the Crimean Peninsula. A fairly small city, with an area of 56 square meters. km, and a population of approximately 27 thousand people, can rightfully be considered one of the most beautiful places on the peninsula. Its territory contains the most beautiful sights reminiscent of ancient Crimea.
The name of the city, literally translated from Crimean Tatar, means garden-palace. Initially, Bakhchisarai was built by Khan Mengli-Girey as the capital of the Crimean Kaganate; this settlement was supposed to perform two tasks: serve as a defensive structure and be a place of rest and residence for people in power.
The city is constantly expanding due to archaeological excavations carried out around it. Thanks to this, ancient buildings are being restored, emphasizing the special architectural style of the city. Bakhchisarai is the only city in Crimea that has managed to preserve the style of a medieval eastern city. The city has many architectural monuments. In recent years, archaeologists have made many significant discoveries, however, many valuable finds are still awaiting their researchers.
Park "Crimea in miniature"
How to get there: Address: Evpatoria, st. Frunze, 28
GPS coordinates for the navigator: Latitude 45°11’40” / Longitude 33°21’25”
The largest miniature park is located in a picturesque place in Bakhchisarai. The area occupied by the park is 2.5 hectares. “Crimea in Miniature” contains 57 major architectural and historically important monuments. All structures are presented on a scale of 1:25. The park displays copies of famous buildings, such as the Simferopol airport with replicas of airplanes, the Obelisk of Glory on the city of Mithridates, the Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky, and the Stamboli dacha in Evpatoria. Famous landmarks from different parts of the world are also presented, for example the Statue of Liberty, which is located in New York and the Motherland monument from Kiev.
During the excursion, visitors will have time to enjoy all the beauty of the Crimean peninsula, visit such cities as: Feodosia, Gaspre, Sudak, Miskhor, Foros, Evpatoria, Bakhchisarai, Chernomorskoye, Sevastopol, Alushta, Simeiz. You can see what the Peter and Paul Cathedral will look like after restoration. In the evening, a light show begins in the park. On the territory of the park there is a petting zoo and a zoo corner.
Chufut-Kale
Chufut-Kale is a cave city located at a distance of 3.5 kilometers from Bakhchisarai, located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level.
Nature created this place well protected by caves, and man built a powerful fortress. Scientists cannot name the exact date of formation of the cave city; some claim that this happened in the 8th - 9th centuries, others believe that it was founded no earlier than the 10th -11th centuries.
In ancient times, there were about 400 houses in Chufut-Kale, the population of the city was approximately 5 thousand people. In present times, this is a city of the past, and only destroyed houses remind that people lived here. The territory of the settlement is small, residential buildings were built end to end, the windows overlooked the courtyard of the house. Living rooms were located on the second floor, and utility rooms were on the first floor.
Chufut-Kale is sometimes called a Jewish fortress, this is due to the fact that Muslims did not always live there. Nowadays, the ancient cave city is taken under state protection and turned into a tourism site.
How to get there: The Holy Dormition Monastery is located two kilometers from Bakhchisarai in the picturesque Maryam-dere gorge.
The monastery was founded during the era of feudal relations in Crimea, presumably the end of the 9th century. The Holy Dormition Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Crimea. Since the 15th century, the Assumption Monastery has been considered the center of the Christian faith in Crimea. During the first defense of Sevastopol, a military hospital was located in the monastery.
After the war, the restoration of the monastery begins. The Church of the Assumption of Our Lady and the staircase leading to it were repaired. A house for the abbot was built near the stairs. In the valley, a bakery, a hotel and a refectory were built with donations from parishioners. In 1896, the water pipeline coming from an underground source was restored. The monks did not accept the revolution, they were accused of conspiracy, the monastery was closed. The restoration of the temple began in 1993. A huge number of legends and myths are associated with the formation of the monastery.
How to get there: Address: Crimea, Bakhchisaray district, Bakhchisaray city, st. Rechnaya, 133
Working hours: Mon-Fri 9:00–18:00
The Khan's Palace is the former residence of the Crimean khans, the only example of palace Crimean Tatar architecture. The territory of the palace is small - 4.5 hectares. The premises of the Khan's Palace house museums that house the most valuable exhibits.
The palace complex includes the North and South Gates, the tomb of Dilyara Bikech, the falcon tower, the Khan's mosque, the Khan's cemetery, the embankment, parks, and the embankment. The center of the Khan's residence is the palace square. The mosque is one of the largest in Crimea and was the first to be built on the territory of the palace. Nine khans are buried in the cemetery.
The Khan's Palace is a unique building of its type.
Bakhchisarai Fountain of Tears
How to get there: The legendary Bakhchisarai fountain is located on the territory of the Khan's palace, the coordinates are indicated above.
The Fountain of Tears was built on the territory of the Khan's courtyard in 1764. According to legend, the rude Khan of Crimea-Girey, who destroyed cities and killed women, was only concerned about the throne. Because of the throne, the khan killed all his heirs. Crimea-Girey liked power; he loved nothing and no one except power. Everyone thought he had a stone instead of a heart.
This continued until the khan grew old. In old age, the khan’s heart softened; he fell in love with a very young girl, Dilyare, but she did not reciprocate the khan’s feelings. The girl died at a young age from captivity, but she managed to melt the khan’s heart. Crimea-Girey was enveloped in melancholy. Then the khan invited the master to his place and ordered him to make a fountain from marble that would cry.
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