In the south-west of Crimea is located the ancient city of Inkerman, famous for historical sights, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Located on the right bank of the Chernaya River, it is caressed by sunlight, and thousands of tourists rush here every year to relax and get to know the amazing monuments that have come down from centuries ago.
Fortress Cave City
A city with a rich history, rooted deep in the Middle Ages, until 1991 was called Belokamensk. Inkerman, whose sights are known throughout the vast Russia, was founded as a fortress near Sevastopol, and in the 20th century it turned into a working village.
The surrounding mountains, dotted with quarries, attract close attention of tourists admiring unusual landscapes. White limestone, used for cladding buildings, has been mined here since ancient times, and a huge number of catacombs formed in the rocks.
The ancient cave city in the Middle Ages became a major trading port. In the VI century, a powerful fortress was built, protecting the important economic routes that led from the Crimea to Khersones. From this time begins the countdown of the existence of Inkerman, causing genuine interest of all travelers.
The fortress, which was of great importance for the settlement
On the lands of Crimea, which had a long military history, there are a huge number of structures that protected local residents from attacks from outside. The ancient city of Inkerman, the sights of which can be called real treasures of the Crimea, was no exception. The most interesting medieval monument is the fortress, erected on the plateau of the Monastery Rock. For a long time, it served as a stronghold of the small principality of Theodoro, who fought with the Genoese. The invaders burned and robbed the fortress, but the inhabitants restored the defensive structure.
In 1475, Turkish troops stormed Kalamita and turned Inkerman into the largest port. Gradually the fortress changed: the walls were built in which loopholes were arranged, a tower with embrasures was erected, an earthen rampart was poured. After the sixteenth century, the monumental structure, which had lost its former significance, fell into disrepair.
Five Tower Ruins
Today, ruins visible from afar, surrounded by cliffs and a moat carved in the rock, rise above the existing monastery, which we will talk about.
Nowadays, the medieval fortress of Kalamita is the ruins of stone walls with five towers, almost dilapidated.
The ruins of the ancient fortress seem to be fanned with a romantic flair, and esotericists say that here you can recharge with positive energy. Many come here to gain spiritual strength and enjoy the amazing view that opens from the heights of the towers.
Monastery carved into the rock
Inkerman cave monastery of St. Clement, located on the same rock with the fortress, was founded in the 9th century by monks who fled from Byzantium. Escaping from the persecution of the iconoclasts, they erected a whole complex consisting of eight cave and ground temples, interconnected by residential and utility rooms. In the many catacombs carved into the rock, the first Christians lived.
The monastery is associated with the cult of St. Clement, a bishop from Rome, who was exiled to a quarry near Chersonesos and killed here. With his own hands, he carved the first temple in the rock, and then, judging by the results of research by experts, about 75 more churches were built in this way.
The relics of the saint were stored in an underwater cave, access to which, according to legend, was opened only once a year. Later they were moved to the island of Cossack. After the capture of the fortress by the Turks (in 1475), the monastery fell into decay and only at the end of the 19th century was revived and received a double name - in honor of the saint and by the name of the city.
Monastery today
During the Soviet Union, the temple was partially destroyed after a strong earthquake, and during the Great Patriotic War, soldiers who fiercely fought against the Nazis were housed in caves.
A few decades ago, a gradual restoration of cell rooms and churches began, and a particle of the relics of St. Clement was transferred from Kiev to the beautiful monastery, which the city of Inkerman is proud of.
During major Orthodox holidays, a huge number of pilgrims come here to cleanse themselves from sins and receive comfort. A tunnel under the railroad leads to the monastery, which no longer accommodates everyone who wants to pray.
Inkerman Winery
Locals believe that the sunny Inkerman, whose attractions delight every tourist, was chosen by the god Bacchus and presented the city with fertile lands. In the mountains, after cutting building stone, adits formed where constantly low temperature and humidity became ideal conditions for aging fine wine in oak barrels.
55 years ago, the largest plant in Crimea was organized, preserving the classic technology of winemaking. Tourists are in a hurry not only to have a wonderful rest, but also to try local products, which the hospitable Inkerman is famous for the whole world. Wine made in the best traditions often wins awards at various international competitions. The huge enterprise, which is a real underground city, has no equal in the whole world.
Factory excursions
For tourists, several educational excursions to the Inkerman plant are provided. The wine, aged in underground cellars, has a noble taste and an exquisite bouquet.
Here they will tell about the history of winemaking, explain the complex production technology, introduce them to specialists whose painstaking work is invested in each bottle. Of course, especially liked products can be purchased in the company store, where the entire range of the plant is presented.
Ancient Inkerman, the sights of which we examined in the article, are glad to all guests. A quiet and calm city will be liked first of all by those who want to relax from the daily hustle and bustle with new sights.
Here you can fully enjoy fantastically beautiful views and feel the breath of time.