Cape Khersones (Sevastopol, Crimea)

Crimea is an amazing place, where colorful antiquities and modern entertainment complexes, mysterious cave cities and luxury hotels peacefully coexist. The unique nature and mild climate of the peninsula attracts tourists from all over the world to this region all year round. The map of Crimea, like a colorful Tatar scarf, is full of many unusual places.

If you go on a trip on the peninsula for the first time, be sure to plan the cultural program in advance. Of course, you will not be able to see all the wonders for one trip, even if it lasts a long time. But some places must be visited without fail. One of them is Cape Khersones.

Uneasy fate

Crimea from time immemorial was not only a favorite place for recreation of powerful rulers, but also a kind of apple of discord, a tasty morsel. From hunters to him there was no release. He was a springboard for wars and passed from hand to hand repeatedly. Cape Chersonese because of its location, ancient infrastructure and natural beauties has often become the arena on which the main events unfolded. It flows into the Black Sea, due to which it is of strategic importance. Of course, the conquerors of all times could not help but be attracted to its beauty and convenience of location. He experienced more than one change of power.

The city on the cape was founded in ancient gray by ancient Hellenes. As early as the 5th century BC, the first buildings began to be laid here. With the city on the cape are connected with the loud names of many great rulers. This is the king Mithridates, Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar, Prince Vladimir. The name "Chersonese" from Greek is translated as "peninsula". His definition of "Tavrichesky" means that he was on the land of the Taurians. The whole southern coast of Crimea in ancient times was called Taurica. Old Russian chroniclers called this place Korsun.

What are the ruins?

Cape Khersones (Sevastopol) attracts not only tourists, but also scientists. Archaeologists have been searching here for nearly two hundred years. The Tauric Chersonesos Nature Reserve is today 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 do not rush to share them with people.

Scientists know that Chersonese was a city-state with developed infrastructure. His heyday he experienced in the period from IV to II century BC. E. Excavations and ancient chronicles indicate that at that time there reigned a slave system, but the form of government was democratic.

The ruins keep traces of Scythian culture. A myriad of hordes of steppe people appeared there in the second century BC. E. The townspeople were forced to ask for help from the powerful king Mithridates VI Evpator. 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. Lovers of history are eager to see Cape Chersonese not only for the sake of its beautiful nature, but also for the sake of antiquities.

The outpost of Christianity

Attract these places and pilgrims. Christianity penetrated into Chersonese in the IV century. Through the efforts of the holy bishops, there was immediately established a diocese, the center of which was Cape Chersonesos. Archaeological finds related to the same period are often associated with Christian symbols: gravestones with epitaphs, crosses, fragments of paintings. Especially many churches were built in the V 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 necessity has disappeared. Archaeologists have established that almost every area of the ancient city had its own temple.

Visiting the Cape of Chersonese, the pilgrims go to the cave temple-mausoleum, the Six-Stupa Temple, the arched temple, the memorial of Our Lady of Vlahenskoy, St. Vladimir's Cathedral. The Basilica of Kruse is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city. Today, only ruins are left from it, past which many sightseeing routes pass. At Cape Chersonese are the ruins of several ancient basilicas, built in the early and middle Middle Ages.

Echoes of War

They store these places and memory of the tragic events of the Great Patriotic War. You can visit the panorama "Defense of Sevastopol", stroll through the museum of the Great Patriotic War, descend into the catacombs, which once housed the workshop for the repair of submarines. Cape Chersonese more than once became a film set. In the vicinity of it some scenes of the sensational painting "Battle for Sevastopol" were shot, which is dedicated to one of the milestones in the history of the region.

Reserve

Chersonesos Tavrichesky in 1994 received the status of a national reserve. Today it is a large-scale research and development center, which consists of many departments and expositions. The main historical monument is the ancient settlement of Chersonese, located on the cape. On its territory are the following objects that attract tourists so much:

• The central square of Chersonesos, which was laid during the construction of the city. It retained its functions throughout the history of the city. On it in different times temples were built: first ancient, then Christian. At the present time in the central square stands the majestic Vladimirsky Cathedral, which was rebuilt on the site of the destroyed predecessor of the XIX century.
• Ancient Chersonesus theater. It is unique in its kind. Has no analogues in the territory of the CIS. The beginning of construction dates back to the III and IV centuries. Public concerts, festivals and gladiatorial fights took place in the theater. With the advent of Christianity lost its significance, was devastated and built-up.
• Basilica in the basilica is famous for the fact that a new one was erected on the ruins of the ancient sanctuary. In 2007, it was desecrated by vandals. Several ancient columns are hopelessly destroyed.
• Tower of Zeno, erected in honor of the emperor.
• The ruins of the defensive city walls, which in ancient times defended the Cape of Chersonesos. Photos of these ancient ruins are famous all over the world.

Most excursions are paid. The cost depends on the volume of the guide's services, duration and, of course, on the exhibits themselves. 100-250 rubles - the average price of a ticket, which you can visit one of the places with which Cape Chersonese is famous. Testimonials of tourists convince that on the territory you will find shopping tents, where you can buy souvenirs, choose local goodies for snacks, replenish your mobile account.

Nature and climate

The peninsula Crimea is famous for its long holiday season and fabulous air. Cape Khersones is washed by the Black Sea, where in May, in September and, of course, you can swim all summer long. There is relatively little rain here. During the holiday season they are quite short. The ancient rulers did not choose 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), reviews of inveterate travelers can in many ways help you. Experienced tourists recommend starting from the railway station of Sevastopol. You will need to go to the street. Dm. Ulyanov. You can get there by trolleybus No. 10 or 6, or you can ride comfortably by taxi (№ 107, 109, 112).

Transfer to the 22nd bus and go towards the sea. With the ultimate you will have a short walk on foot towards St. Ancient. Do not worry that you get lost - there are signs everywhere. In addition, the flow of tourists will lead you to where you need it. You will have a beautiful view of Cape Khersones. The Crimea is not without reason called the Treasure Peninsula, is not it?

Beach

Going to Chersonese, you certainly were sure that you can admire its beauties, but that's about the opportunity to enjoy the gentle sea hardly suspected. The museum, after all ... In fact, on a tour it is worthwhile to take bathing accessories. Yes, yes, one of the attractions that Cape Chersonese is famous for is the beach. The level of comfort and amenities is not so gorgeous, but this does not prevent 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.