Demerdzhi

Demerdzhi is a massif, located in 10 kilometres from Alushta near Luchyste village. The massif’s historical name is Demirdzhi-yaila, which means “a smith”. People say, strong winds affect falling of rock pieces down, making a noise, which really resembles powerful hammer blows of a smith at his anvil. In former times Demerdzhi Mount used to be called Funa that in Old Greek means “fuming”. So to say, this mysterious mount changes its colour twenty-four hours a day.   

The main peaks of the mountain are Pivnichna Demerdzhi and Pivdenna Demerdzhi, of 1356 and 1239 meters above sea level, respectively. The most attractive for tourists is the southern slope of “the smith’s mount”. This is where the famous Valley of Ghosts is located, where strange stone sculptures, which resemble human bodies and mysterious items, are concentrated. Not far from this enigmatic valley you can find a tree – very famous among connoisseurs of the Soviet cinema – “Nut-tree of Yuri Nikulin”. This place was filmed in famous movie "The Caucasian Prisoner" – an episode of falling from the tree. In the Valley of Ghosts there is a stone on which actress Aida Vedischeva danced to the music of famous song “Somewhere in this world”, filmed in the same movie. In addition, near Pivdenna Demerdzhi there is a rock, well known as Holova Kateryny or Holova Voina. It’s well seen from Simferopol’-Yalta Highway.

Another place of interest located in Demerdzhi, are the ruins of Funa Fortress at the mountain’s foot. It was probably built in the 13th century and only contours of the castle and remains of a Christian church have been preserving till the present day. People say this is where the centre of one of the Crimea dioceses of the Constantinople Patriarchate is located.

Finally, Demerdzhi Mount has unique mountain nature and picturesque views. You can stay at the Dzhurla – one of local rivers – and have a rest, refresh yourself in a waterfall, or just relax in one of dozens quiet and natural healing sources. Not far from this area there is Khapkhal’s’ka Gorge with 19-meter waterfall Jur-Jur. And with every step you’ll open more and more fabulous valleys, healing springs and tumultuous waterfalls.

There are a few ways to get to the massif. Experienced tourists are advised to start climbing the mountain from the village of Luchyste situated at the foot of the mountain. You can get there by bus from Alushta. Also, you can take a romantic journey from Alushta to Luchyste ahorseback.