Kerch is an amazing city located between two seas - the Black and the Azov. It has preserved many monuments of its more than two thousand years of history. Particularly interesting are the ruins of ancient settlements, as well as burial mounds and crypts of ancient rulers. Medieval fortresses - Kerch and Yenikale - have been preserved in good condition. In Kerch there is a church, which is recognized by many historians as the oldest church in the country - the Temple of St. John the Baptist.
The center of attraction for tourists is Mount Mithridates - the famous staircase of several hundred steps leads to it. At the top of the mountain there is an obelisk in memory of the Immortal Heroes and a bench "Crimean Bridge". In addition to the Crimean bridge, the ruins of the ancient settlement of Panticapaeum, as well as the port with ships, are clearly visible from the observation deck of the mountain. There is a beautiful embankment near the Kerch Bay.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photos with names and descriptions of the best sights of Kerch. He will help you plan routes for exploring the top places of the city and its environs in 2-3 days.
Crimean bridge
An automobile-railway bridge is laid across the Kerch Strait from the Taman Peninsula to the Crimea. To preserve shipping traffic, arched spans with a length of 227 meters were erected. There is an observation deck on the bridge, not far from the Kerch fortress. The opening of the bridge was accompanied by a grand concert with the participation of Russian pop stars. The bridge is 19 km long and is the longest constructed facility in the country.
Mount Mithridates
It is believed that the mountain in the center of the city keeps all its secrets. This is the most recognizable peak of Crimea, although its height is rather modest - 91 meters. The mountain offers a beautiful view of the Kerch port and the Kerch bay. On the slopes of the mountain, you can see the ruins of the ancient city of Panticapaeum. In memory of the soldiers who died during the assault in 1943, the Obelisk of Glory was erected. A staircase of 432 steps leads to the top of the mountain.
Obelisk of Glory on Mount Mithridates
Dedicated to the feat of the soldiers of the Separate Primorsky Army and the sailors of the Azov military flotilla. It is located on the top of Mount Mithridat, where, after the liberation of Kerch in 1943 from the German invaders, a red flag was raised. The obelisk of light gray stone, 24 meters high, is set on a stepped pedestal. It can be seen 20 km around. Three cannons and a marble plaque are installed next to the obelisk.
City embankment
The 1 km long walking area is laid along the Kerch Strait. Back in the days of tsarist Russia, it was the main place for mass festivities and recreation. The alleys lined with colored tiles are laid among trees and bushes. Part of the coast near the embankment is occupied by the Central Beach. There is no usual resort bustle on the embankment of Kerch, it is quiet and calm here. There is an amusement park for guests with children.
Great Mithridates Staircase
Leads to Mount Mithridates from the main square of Kerch. This is one of the main tourist and historical attractions of the city, which is depicted on various types of souvenirs. The staircase was built in 7 years in the 19th century. It was significantly damaged, first during the shelling of the Crimean, and then the Great Patriotic War. The staircase was restored in the 1960s, recreating the sculptures of griffins on the observation decks.
Adzhimushkay quarries
Quarries located 5 km from Kerch. During the Great Patriotic War, the soldiers of the Soviet army heroically restrained the attacks of the fascists here. The quarry museum was established in 1966. This is the most visited memorial monument in Kerch. Tourists can experience the atmosphere in which the city's defenders held their own as they walked through dark underground corridors at depths of up to 30 meters.
Lenin street and square
The central square of the city is a favorite place for tourists to walk, as is the pedestrian street that branches off from it. It hosts city festivities on holidays, many cafes, souvenir shops, excursion bureaus. Lenin Street is also famous for interesting and beautiful buildings - the Church of John the Baptist, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, an art gallery. From here begins a staircase to Mount Mithridates.
Drama Theater named after Pushkin
A drama theater appeared in Kerch even before the Crimean War. Located in a 19th century building in the center of Kerch. It is a monumental building with square columns at the main entrance. The theater's performances attract visitors from different genres. His repertoire includes both classical and modern productions. Theaters from other cities often come on tour. Festivals and exhibitions are often held in the premises of the theater.
Monument to the 2600th anniversary of Kerch
Installed on Tavricheskaya Square in 2000. The memorial stele, installed for the anniversary of Kerch, is a column crowned with a graceful figure of a golden griffin holding a key. This mythical beast, symbolizing power and vigilance, is the heraldic symbol of the city. The inscription on the pedestal says that in 1973 Kerch was awarded the honorary title of “Hero City” for courage and perseverance.
Commemorative bench "Crimean bridge"
Located on the top of Mount Mithridates, from where the bay and the port, as well as the famous bridge, are clearly visible. The background for tourists taking photos on the bench will be the same bridge among the endless water surface. The bench is 5 meters long and 1 meter high. It is painted in blue-blue colors, which were used in the logo of the Crimean Bridge project. The continuation of the shop is the inscription "Crimean Bridge", the tick in the letter "Y" is made in the form of a seagull.
The building of the Romanov women's gymnasium
One of the main architectural decorations of the city. It is located in a public garden between Lenin Square and Mount Mithridat. The building of the gymnasium was built by 1885 according to the project of architects Krasovsky and Kuruskov. The appearance of the building is more like a castle, its facade is rich in decor and decorations. The children of the best families in the city studied at the gymnasium - the educational institution was considered prestigious due to the high level of education.
Rotunda on the waterfront
The building, classic for coastal areas in resort towns, has a traditional and attractive appearance. The graceful domed roof is supported by 7 thin snow-white columns with graceful capitals. The building was built in a pseudo-antique style. The rotunda was built in the 1970s and since then has become one of the symbols of the city. Tourists strolling along the embankment are sure to take beautiful photos with the rotunda.
Yenikalsky lighthouse
Located near the village of Podmayachny on the easternmost point of the Crimean peninsula - Cape Fonar. The first lighthouse on this site appeared as early as 350 BC. The name "Yenikalsky" appeared in 1820. Then the light in the lighthouse was supplied by wick lamps. During the shelling of Kerch from the sea in the Great Patriotic War, the lighthouse was destroyed. A lighthouse with modern equipment was built on its ruins in 1953.
Ostrich farm "Exotic"
Offers guests a popular area of agritourism. The ostrich breeding farm is located near the Yenikalsky lighthouse. The farm is about 10 hectares and is home to over 30 ostriches. The guests get acquainted with the way of life of these unusual birds, the guides talk about their habits, peculiarities of care. Also, geese, ducks, peacocks, goats, nutria live on the farm - you can buy food and feed them yourself.
Monuments of the fortification construction of Kerch
In the 18th - 19th centuries, powerful fortresses were built in Kerch. They were intended to protect the city from attack. Today, the remains of fortifications are important cultural heritage sites and popular excursion sites.
Kerch fortress
Located on Cape Ak-Burun.Built according to the project of the architect Totleben in the 19th century by the order of the Emperor Alexander II. The main function of the fortress is to protect against attacks from the southern borders of the country. This grandiose building with an area of 420 hectares is a federal monument of fortification history. Among all the first-class fortresses that existed in tsarist Russia, Kerch is the best preserved.
Yenikale fortress
Turkish fortress, built in the 18th century for protection from the Russian fleet on the shore of the Kerch Strait, in its narrowest part. In the 19th century, the fortress lost its military significance and was used as a hospital for some time. Yenikale suffered greatly during the battles of the Second World War. During the restoration work, the half-bastion and part of the walls and the gate were restored. A panoramic view of the fortress opens from the rocks at the gate.
Ancient settlements of Kerch
Ancient cities, built long before our era, are another visiting card of tourist Kerch. Picturesque ruins can be found in and around the city.
Panticapaeum
Ancient Greek city, which in the 7th century BC. was founded by people from the city of Miletus. The remains of the settlement are of interest to both scientists and travelers. Not many structures have survived from the ancient city, however, this is quite enough to understand the power and grandeur of the former capital of the Bosporus kingdom. Tourists can see the ruins of fortress walls, residential quarters, temples, tombs of kings and their palaces.
The ancient city of Mirmeki
The ancient settlement of the Ionian Greeks was founded in the 6th century BC. It was part of the Bosporan Kingdom. After the capture of the kingdom by the Huns, Mirmekiy ceased to exist. Excavations at the site of the ancient city began at the end of the 19th century. Among the first finds is a marble sarcophagus, which is now kept in the Hermitage. Tourists are allowed free visit to the ancient city, if you wish, you can order an excursion service.
Ancient settlement of Tiritaka
Located within the city, in the Arshintsevo microdistrict. This place will interest lovers of ancient history - the remains of ancient wineries, residential buildings, fortress towers and walls have been preserved. The city was built by the ancient Greeks in the 6th century BC. The area of the ancient city was 8.5 hectares. It had a clear layout of the streets. The destruction of the city began during the invasions of the Huns in the 6th century; the city was completely ruined by the raids of the Turks in the 7th-8th centuries.
Ancient settlement of Nympheus
Located 16 km from Kerch near the village of Eltigen. Nymphaeus was founded in the 6th century BC. The ruins of ancient structures are clearly visible even in places where archaeological excavations have not yet been carried out. The complex with antique buildings is open to tourists, but it is worth remembering that old objects must be treated with caution. Archaeologists-guides of the Kerch Nature Reserve conduct excursions.
Monuments of the funerary architecture of Kerch
Unusual sights - historical monuments, ancient burial mounds and burial vaults.
Demeter's crypt
The underground structure at a depth of 5 meters is a unique monument of ancient culture. Ancient Greek frescoes depicting scenes from myths have been preserved in the burial object. You can see drawings of Calypso, Pluto, Hermes, Demeter. Several years after the discovery of the crypt, museum staff noticed a deterioration in the condition of the frescoes. After that, the crypt was closed for visiting tourists, having built an exact copy of it at the bus station.
Tsar's mound
The tomb of the rulers of the Bosporus kingdom from the Spartokid family is a monument of ancient culture of the 4th century BC. The mound is located near the Adzhimushkay quarries. The mound is 17 meters high and hides a 36-meter long corridor and burial chamber. The perimeter of the tomb is 250 meters, the height of the crypt inside is 9 meters. During the excursion, visitors are told about the construction technology of the mound.
Melek-Chesmensky mound
The burial mound was found in 1858 during the excavations of the Kerch Museum of Antiquities. The tomb was built in the 4th century BC. At that time, the height of the mound was 12 meters, now the height of the mausoleum is 8 meters. Consists of a corridor-dromos and a burial chamber measuring 3.7 * 3.7 meters. The vault of the crypt has a pyramidal shape. The mound is open to tourists, visitors notice a special aura when they are in the ancient crypt.
The best museums of Kerch
The most interesting museums in the city, which are definitely worth visiting.
Historical and Archaeological Museum
Founded in 1826. Initially, its main function was to carry out excavations of ancient settlements and necropolises, their description and examination, later its activities were reoriented to excavation of burial mounds, the finds in which were sent to the Hermitage for storage. At present, the collection of the museum is about 250,000 exhibits, among which ancient archaeological finds are especially valuable.
Kerch Lapidarium
The collection of the Lapidarium is based on the private collection of Paul Dubrax. At the beginning of the 19th century, he founded the "Ancient Storage", which later began to be replenished with archaeological finds. It contains more than 2000 pieces of art from ancient times. A large collection of objects from the excavations of the Bosporus kingdom has been collected, as well as cult objects of Islamic, Jewish, Christian origin.
Kerch Picture Gallery
Located in the center of the city in a 19th century classicist mansion. It contains more than 2000 paintings, as well as objects of art from different times - from antiquity to modern times. The main exhibition of the gallery is 29 paintings and sketches from the cycle “Adzhimushkay. 1942 ”by the artist Booth, who became one of the founders of the gallery. The expositions gradually acquaint visitors with the culture of the region in different periods.
Museum of the history of the Eltigen landing
Located 20 km from Kerch in the village of Geroevskoe. The expositions of the museum tell about the courage of the paratroopers in the Eltigen operation during the liberation of Kerch from the German invaders. In the open air there are weapons raised from the bottom of the Kerch Bay, a motorboat that delivered the wounded to the medical unit. Wartime interiors have been recreated in the concrete reservoir and the old smithy, which served as a hospital and operating room.
Museum of Oceanography and Fisheries
Created on the basis of the Kerch Ichthyological Laboratory, which later became a scientific institute. The staff of the institute carried out research in the waters of the South, Atlantic and Indian oceans. The museum's collections include sawfish, mako shark, rock perch. Collected many species of crustaceans, molluscs, corals. Of greatest interest is the exposition with the remains of fish that lived several million years ago.
Churches and temples of Kerch
The most beautiful and interesting religious buildings in the city.
Church of St. John the Baptist
The Orthodox Church claims to be not only the most ancient temple in Crimea, but throughout Russia. Presumably, it was built in the VIII-XI centuries. The foundation of the temple has a Byzantine style of construction; in the 19th century, a bell tower and neo-Byzantine-style vestibules were added to it. The outlines of 19th century frescoes have been preserved in the interior. The church building itself has been perfectly preserved for hundreds of years of existence.
Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
Founded in 2000 in the Arshintsevo microdistrict. Previously, the building housed a kindergarten and a pioneer house. In 2003, an active re-equipment of the temple began to give it the appearance of a traditional Christian structure. They erected a drum with a main dome, erected a cross, and erected a bell tower. In 2004, 5 bells were raised to the bell tower. Now the snow-white building attracts attention with its graceful appearance.
Assumption Church
Located in the Arshintsevo microdistrict, previously it was the territory of the village of Stary Karantin. The construction of the temple, consecrated in honor of the Ascension of the Lord, was completed in 1907. The building was 18 meters high and could accommodate up to 400 parishioners.After the re-equipment of the temple in the 1930s into a village club, the domes were dismantled, and the church utensils were looted. The temple was opened in 1943, while it was consecrated under the name of the Assumption Church.
The best beaches of Kerch
The city has popular beaches where you can relax and sunbathe. We recommend you go to the General's beaches and enjoy their beauty. There is no developed infrastructure, but this does not stop those who want to live in tents on the seashore.
Kerch city beach
One of the favorite places for tourists to relax by the water. Despite the name, the beach is located 12 km from the city. The length of the beach area is 3000 meters, the width reaches 100 meters. The coast is covered with sand, entry into the water is comfortable and gentle. There is a large amount of entertainment for all categories of vacationers. Adults can rent a catamaran or go diving, and there are trampolines and attractions for children.
General's beaches
A secluded beach retreat in the area called the "coast of a thousand bays". Beautiful bays are located among picturesque rocks. The coast is covered with sand, the rocks have arched vaults and grottoes. The depth here is shallow, so the water often warms up better than on other beaches. General's beaches are popular with campers, despite the lack of infrastructure. The closest to the beach is the village of Kurortnoye.
Monuments and monuments of Kerch
The most recognizable historical and modern monuments and sculptures of the city.
Sculpture "Gifts of the Sea"
Locals call the sculpture "Fish Monument". An unusual sculpture was installed on the central embankment in 2008. It depicts different types of fish caught in fishing nets - sturgeon, tulka, hamsa, katran, pelingas, Kerch herring, seahorse and crab. The total height of the sculpture is 6 meters. The sidewalk around the monument is lined with multi-colored tiles, beautiful bushes are planted, benches are installed.
Monument to friendship between Ukraine and Russia
Installed on the waterfront in 2010. The original monument symbolizes the friendship of the fraternal peoples of the two countries. It consists of two iron pipes tied with a sea knot. Stripes of the colors of the flags of Russia and Ukraine are applied to the gray metal pipes. The monument was made at the Kerch shipyard. The installation of the monument caused mixed opinions among the residents of the city, there were proposals to dismantle it.
Monument to A.S. Pushkin
Installed on the Kerch embankment for the 200th anniversary of the poet in 1999. Alexander Sergeevich visited Kerch in 1820, the sailing ship Mingrelia brought him to the Crimea from the Caucasian coast. After staying in Kerch for two days, the poet went to Feodosia. The author of the monument is R. Serdyuk. He portrayed Pushkin in a pensive mood, he stands with his arms crossed over his chest. The monument has a difficult fate - it was stolen and restored three times.
Monument to the Marines
Located near the amusement park, on the shore of the Kerch Bay. Opened in 2012. Dedicated to the memory of the fallen defenders of the city from the airborne troops unit during the Great Patriotic War. The monument is made in the form of three figures - a nurse, a sailor and a soldier. A black funeral wreath is carved at the high pedestal. A capsule was laid next to the monument, into which was placed the earth from the mass graves of the dead soldiers.
Memorial to the Eltigen landing party "Parus"
It is located on the top of a 30-meter hill in the Geroevskoye microdistrict on the site of the heroic battles of the Eltigen landing force that has been holding the bridgehead from attacks by German troops for several months. The complex sail-shaped memorial is made of reinforced concrete. The composition is 20 meters high. It is installed on a cylindrical pedestal. There is a wall under the Sail with bas-reliefs depicting battle scenes.
Gardens and parks of Kerch
Youth and Komsomolsky parks are the most popular park areas in Kerch. Locals like to relax here, you can walk along the beautiful alleys or just sit on a bench.
Youth park
A large park in the Arshintsevo microdistrict near the coast of the Kerch Strait. In it you can walk under the canopy of tree crowns, relax on a bench, enjoying the fresh air. For active youth, several zones for sports have been created, outdoor exercise machines have been installed. There is a children's playground, a rope park, trampolines and attractions. There is an observation deck with picturesque sea views.
Komsomolsky park
Located near the sea port of Kerch. The park was founded in the 1950s, it was built by the Komsomol members. A palace of pioneers was erected on its territory, now the center of children's creativity. In 2018, a large-scale reconstruction of the park began. She retained the maximum of green spaces in the park, while adding play areas for children and sports grounds. Sidewalk tiles have been replaced on alleys and paths in the park.
Natural attractions of Kerch
There are many beautiful natural sites in the vicinity of the city. You can reach them by car, you will see mud volcanoes, salt lakes and picturesque sea coasts.
Bulganak field of mud volcanoes
The largest valley of mud volcanoes in Crimea is located 8 km from Kerch near the village of Severnoye. They are located in a small basin of about 4 km². In its very center there is a large volcanoid - a crater 25 meters in diameter, on either side of it there are several small hills, periodically raising streams of mud and gas to the surface. The age of mud volcanoes reaches 30 million years.
Chokrak lake
Salt lake 25 km from Kerch near the village of Kurortnoye. The area of the lake is 8.5 km², while the depth does not exceed 1.5 meters. There are many sandy beaches on the shores of the lake, so recreation with it is popular among lovers of outdoor recreation. The lake is filled with hydrogen sulphide springs, which are considered curative. The waters of the lake help in the treatment of many diseases - gynecology, urology, musculoskeletal system.
Cape Zyuk
A picturesque cape 25 km from Kerch, washed by the waters of the Azov Sea. The natural landscapes around are striking in their picturesqueness - hills, reef bays, cozy beaches. This place is often chosen for a secluded holiday with tents. Nearby there is Chokrak Lake with healing water and mud, boarding houses, places where archaeological excavations are being conducted. From the highest point of the cape, a beautiful view of the bay and the Masyr ridge opens up.
Lake Tobechikskoe
Another salt lake in the vicinity of Kerch. Lake Tobechikskoe is located 32 km from the city in the Leninsky district. The lake is separated from the Black Sea by a small isthmus. The lake is 9 km long, with an average depth of 1 meter. Due to the shallow depth, the water in the lake warms up quickly, you can swim in it already in May. There is a beach strip near the dam. The waters and mud of the lake are curative due to the large amount of mineral salts in the composition.
Natural park "Karalarsky"
One of the most popular holiday destinations, where you can see all the variety of natural landscapes of Crimea - steppes, rocks, picturesque bays, the ruins of ancient settlements have been preserved. The coast of the Azov Sea looks especially beautiful, where there are about 60 beaches separated by rocks. The park is located 25 km from Kerch, next to other interesting places - Lake Chokrakskoye and Cape Zyuk, not far from the village of Kurortnoye.
