Anapa is a resort town on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory. Most tourists come here on summer holidays, dreaming of swimming in the sea, sunbathing and visiting the water park. But if the described vacation option seems to you too boring, you can always go on excursions. One of the most unusual and interesting places to visit in Anapa is the Gorgippia Archaeological Museum.
A resort town full of history
Unenlightened tourists scornfully refer to the Krasnodar Territory when it comes to historical sites. In Greece and Spain, you can see ancient ruins at every step, and what can the Russian south boast of? In fact, the Krasnodar Territory also has an equally interesting story, the full version of which, perhaps, we only have to find out.
On the site of modern Anapa, once there was the ancient Greek city of Sindh harbor. Thanks to archaeological finds, it was possible to establish that it was founded no later than the 6th century BC. e. In the 4th century BC e. the settlement becomes subordinate to the kingdom of the Bosporus and receives a new name - Gorgippia in honor of the ancient ruler of Gorgippus. The city is developing rapidly and is famous as a craft and trade center. On the territory of Gorgippia there was a large quarter of master potters. In the second century BC e. the city received the right to issue its own coins.
In the 2nd century AD e. Gorgippia is thriving - the streets are decorated with skilful statues and obelisks, pompous temples are being built, wealthy citizens spare no money for creating elaborate tombs and necropolises.
What happened to the rich ancient city? Why today only archaeological museum “Gorgippia” remained from him? In the 3rd century AD e. the city was constantly subjected to raids by barbarians. The once-blooming settlement ends its history in the 4th century AD. After another invasion of the Huns, Gorgippia forever disappeared from world maps.
Museum expositions
Archaeological excavations began in the 19th century. In their course, it was possible to establish that the ancient city occupied more than 40 hectares and is located under modern Anapa, at the level of only about 1 meter.
Today, the Gorgippia Archaeological Museum-Reserve is located in the center of the spa town and covers an area of 1.6 hectares. Excavations and research activities are still underway here. For tourists, a plot of 0.7 hectares is open, fully explored and is an open-air museum.
The Gorgippia Archaeological Museum invites everyone to take a walk in this ancient city. During the tour you will see with your own eyes: the foundations and cellars of residential buildings, streets, fortifications, winery complexes, gutters, wells and a necropolis. Today it is the only archaeological museum in Russia inviting everyone to the excavation site. There is also a pavilion on the territory of the reserve, in which the most valuable and interesting exhibits are exhibited.
Pearls collection
The museum exhibits an interesting collection of ceramics. During the tour, tourists will find out how the Pithos differed from the amphora, and what other forms of vessels were most often used by our distant ancestors. In addition to household utensils, the Gorgippia Archaeological Museum delights guests with a collection of women's jewelry and bijouterie. The real pearl of the exposition is an ancient loom. No less interesting are the statues and fragments of marble slabs with inscriptions in the ancient Greek language. Also in the museum's collection are samples of weapons, tools and details of complex mechanisms.
Many unique and valuable exhibits are constantly exhibited in the largest museums in Russia - in Moscow and St. Petersburg. But, despite this fact, the permanent exhibition at Gorgippia itself is very interesting and informative.
Opening hours and prices
The Anapa Gorgippia Archaeological Museum-Reserve is open from Tuesday to Sunday, inclusive. You can visit the exhibition from 09:00 to 18:00. The cost of an adult ticket is 120 rubles, for children and beneficiaries an entrance costs 80 rubles. The following categories of citizens have the right to inspect the museum’s collection at a reduced price: students, pensioners, people with disabilities, war veterans, members of the military contract service, orphans. To receive a discount when purchasing a ticket, you must present the appropriate document confirming the preferential category.
How to get there Address and Directions
The exact address where the Gorgippia Archaeological Museum is located: Anapa, Naberezhnaya Street, 4. This is the very center of the resort town. The nearest public transport stop is called Astrakhan. Travel by bus and minibus number 1, 2, 6, 16 and 18. The exact coordinates of the museum-reserve for motorists: 44.896262; 37.310507.
Tourists reviews
The Archaeological Museum will amaze the most inexperienced tourists who do not expect to see a similar attraction in the Russian resort town. The advantages of “Gorgippia” are the ridiculous cost of tickets, convenient location and quite interesting expositions. What is noteworthy, this museum has truly unique exhibits. For a small fee, you can order excursion services, the duration of which is 1.5 hours.
The Anapa Archaeological Museum "Gorgippia" is also interesting because it is the only one in Russia. Do not compare it with the antique museums of European resorts. "Gorgippia" is a relatively young and insufficiently studied museum. It is possible that very soon new interesting discoveries and archaeological finds await us.