Republic of Crimea
Crimea is an ancient land of the Cimmerians, Hellenes, Scythians, and Taurs. It is the homeland of Achilles, the hero of the Trojan War. According to legend, Dionysis taught mortals here how to grow grapes and make wine. Archaeological monuments describe the history of Crimea from primitive people to today. Crimea has always attracted people for health reasons; the combination of mountain and sea air, and the relict juniper groves invigorate without the need for any medical procedures.
Simferopol is the capital of Crimea, the business and cultural center of the peninsula and is called the city of three capitals. The late-Scythian center of Scythian Neapolis was built here in the 3rd century BC. Its ruins can be found in the Petrovsky Heights. Colorful historic costume festivals celebrating ancient culture and life are held here every year. Simferopol has lots of museums, at least 10 of which are major, many Christian Orthodox and Islamic temples, but most of all it has squares and parks.
Kerch is the sea gate of the Crimea. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, just one year younger than ancient Rome. Its history is told by the hot stones of the capital of the Bosporan Kingdom Panticapaeum, Tyritake, Nymphaeum and the small Myrmekion, the birthplace of Achilles (if we believe the Byzantine historian Leo the Deacon). The city was built on Mount Mithridat, named after Mithridates VI of Pontus who ruled the Bosporan Kingdom more than 2,000 years ago.
Feodosia is renowned for its endless sandy beaches, the ancient Genoese fortress and the world-famous Aivazovsky Art Gallery.
Koktebel is a picturesque corner of Crimea loved by Russian bohemians who would stay in the house of Maximilian Voloshin. This house became the heart of Russian creativity. The poet Marina Tsvetaeva was one of Voloshin's regular guest. She met her future husband, Sergei Efron, in Koktebel.
Not far from Koktebel, you can find Mount Klementyeva, the famous gliding center.
Sudak, the western capital of the Silk Route, is a rich market town that has witnessed many historic upheavals. The heavy stones of the Genoese fortress preserve the centuries old memories of Greek and Italian rule, of brave Slavs, and terrifying Turkish raids.
Yalta was the favorite town of the Romanov royal family. The palaces of kings and princes along the south coast are an exquisite pearl on the imperial crown. The climate here is very similar to the climate in the resorts of Italy and southern France where people successfully cured tuberculosis. The town is full of Chekhov romanticism: if you take a stroll along the embankment, you can imagine a sophisticated lady in a vanilla-colored long dress walking along with her dog.
Lake Saky is a famous source of therapeutic mud and salt water. Saky mud effectively treats musculoskeletal disorders and is successfully used in gynecology, urology, neurology, and even cosmetology.
Visitors to Yevpatoria will find sandy beaches with shallow waters and plenty of things to do for children.
Bakhchisaray Palace is a unique eastern architectural monument from the Middle Ages, the only example of Crimean Tatar palace architecture. The palace contains the Fountain of Tears, described in poetry by Alexander Pushkin—a silent memorial to Qırım Giray Khan's eternal love for his wife and his grief after her death.
For more info on the Republic of Crimea, including the Travel Guide visit the web-portal Russia.Travel.
