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Chufut-Kale

Chufut-Kale

The most ancient settlements on the territory of Ukraine, mostly built for defensive purposes, have appeared on the Crimea peninsula. Chufut-Kale is a striking example of a city built in a cave. It is located on the plateau at an altitude of 500 meters and is surrounded by broad valleys on three sides. Today it is unknown who founded the city; however it is believed that in the 11th century the Khazars and the Alans lived there. Later these lands were conquered by the Tatars and this unique city used to be the seat of Crimean khans up to the early 16th century. In the 14th century the Karaites began to inhabit the territory of Chufut-Kale. Over time the Tatars left this territory, and made Bakhchysarai their capital. In the 19th century the Karaites habited other cities of the Crimea due to better living conditions – thus Chufut-Kale was absolutely abandoned, however tourists and those who are fond of ancient history don’t leave it empty.

 

This hidden in the cave city is a favourite place of tourists, who follow paths and stairs, as well as climb high hills to get to medieval Chufut-Kale. Assumption church, a monastery, a cemetery and a source of holy water can be seen there.

 

To enter the city you should pass the massive old Southern (Mali) Gates, by which old wooden gates were replaced. In former times people used chariots to pass it. Most of the ancient city was destroyed over the centuries; however fortification walls, towers including the Southern and Eastern Gates have been preserved. There you can see alleyways with narrow sidewalks, houses, kenasas – Karaite prayer houses, ruins of Khan Palace, mosques, a mint, and a mausoleum of Khan Tokhtamysh’ daughter.

 

Behind the mausoleum, where the plateau abruptly ends, you can experience stunning views of the Crimean Mountains with their highest peak Roman-Kosh. Near the kenasa terraces used to be, where one could relax while waiting for a service. Different important issues for the community were decided there as well.

 

The first typography in the Crimea started up in 1730's in Chufut-Kale. Most of books published there were religious.

 

Caves in the rocks are quite interesting as they served different functions. You will see a cave complex, which used to be a defensive point while enemies’ attacks. There is also a suggestion that a monastery used to be there in former times.

 

Iosfatova Valley with the Karaite cemetery will impress you! They say old oaks had grown there and it was strictly forbidden to cut them. Today you might see tombstones with various inscriptions situating among the trees.

 

The city water supply was a quite important issue. It was believed that water for the city was imported and rainwater was used for household purposes, but this suggestion was refuted only in the 21th century after archaeologists discovered a unique well of 40 meters deep located in a cave not far from Chufut-Kale. If you are fond of extreme adventures, you can take a tour to the well.

 

You are well advised to visit medieval city Chufut-Kale, where two centuries ago life flourished. This ancient city full of legends may bring you back to those times.

 

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