The history of which has more than two and a half thousand years. Despite the fact that it is a small town, many people around the world know it. Streets and metro stations in Europe and America are named by this name. This land keeps the secrets of civilizations, and many times it was on it that the fate of entire nations was decided. Each of the nationalities living on this earth left its mark on it. Genoese - Chembalo Fortress, Turks - the name of the bay, the British - the embankment and buildings.
It was this village that Homer described in his Odyssey as the place of residence of the Listrigons, mythical giants. The description of the bay is like no other suitable for the village of Balaklava (Crimea). Many myths of ancient Greece were born here. Roman legionnaires and Tatar nomads managed to leave their mark on the genotype of local residents. And the heroic feat of the Soviet soldiers glorified and forever left Balaklava and Sevastopol in the memory of their descendants. Its real name, which translates as Balyk-Juve ("fish nest"), Balaklava (Crimea) received in 1475, when it was captured by the Turks.
Invisible to enemies from the sea and a harbor full of fish - this is a fertile place people appreciated immediately. Balaklava on the map of Crimea is a long and deep bay. Surrounded by cliffs, since ancient times, it has attracted people as a convenient place to live. Game was found in the forests, mountain streams gave spring water. The first inhabitants of this area to leave their mark on history were the warlike Taurus, then it passed to the Greeks. In the 14th century, the Genoese, who built the Chembalo fortress in 1357, became the owners. And to the present day, perfectly preserved, it serves as a visiting card of the city of Balaklava (Crimea).
Chembalo Fortress
The fortress has the shape of a quadrangle - impregnable walls on three sides, and a steep cliff on the fourth. It is documented that during the devastating earthquake of 1927 in the Crimea, when whole rocks collapsed, not a single stone broke off the walls of Cembalo. The greatest damage she received during the Great Patriotic War.
Today you can take a walk to the Fortress Mountain by climbing the stairs from Nazukin embankment. The observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the entire bay, will make you stop and fix the memorable places of the village (Crimea) of Balaklava. The photos will be just wonderful. If you decide to climb to the next towers, you will have to overcome quite steep climbs. But on the other hand, one can very well imagine how the defenders of the fortress climbed such a road 700 years ago.
At present, it is a branch of the Tauric Chersonesos reserve. Excavations are ongoing throughout the territory. Thanks to them, it turned out that initially it was a two-tier city: people lived in the lower one, the upper one was administrative. In the upper city, St. Nicholas, in a square 15-meter tower, there was a consul castle, a temple and a town hall. They even carried out water from a nearby mountain. In the lower city, in addition to houses with residents, there were shops of merchants, workshops and a shipyard. The city was well protected: in addition to high walls, the entrance to the bay was blocked by a huge chain stretched between the towers.
When the fortress was captured by the Turks, it began to be used as a military garrison and prison, where the objectionable Crimean khans were kept. After the annexation of Crimea to Russia, the fortress was no longer used. During the Crimean and World War II, the walls served as defensive structures.
Embankment in Balaclava
In the Crimean War, Balaclava became an English military base, and the embankment itself was built by the British. They laid the first railway in the Crimea, a telegraph. It was then that they began to call the harbor “Little London”. Before the revolution, the embankment was called English. During the time of Tsarist Russia, wealthy aristocrats built their summer cottages on it, in particular, the princes Yusupov and Gagarin. Some of the buildings have survived to this day.
The most ancient fortress
In the village of Balaklava (Crimea), on Rubtsova street, 43, there is a medieval church of 12 apostles, the oldest in the Crimea. This is evidenced by a tablet found during the reconstruction period. On it is the date of commencement of construction - 1357. The temple is majestic and simple at the same time - only columns serve as decoration.
Submarine museum
Probably the most interesting attraction is the Submarine Museum (secret facility number 825), located on Mramornaya Street 1. As a museum, it began its work not so long ago - in 1995. Since 1950, Balaclava has even been closed to visitors. Ukraine has completely classified this bay during the Cold War. Information was available only to the top leadership of the state. It was the most important strategic object of "Balaklava (Crimea)." For several decades, Ukraine simply did not show this village as a settlement on the map.
This is a magnificent building: a complex that has no analogues in the world is built in a cut and concreted through and through rock: arsenals with weapons, workshops, lock chambers. Prior to this, it was the only underground dock for repairing submarines and at the same time a bomb shelter for the whole of Balaklava in the event of a third world war. Meter-thick steel doors had to withstand the impact of a nuclear bomb. Here could hide with the crews of 9 (!) Submarines and civilians of about 3 thousand people.
Submarines got inside through Mount Tavros, in which tunnels, workshops and an arsenal of weapons were cut down. Now the museum offers a choice of walking tours and boat trips. Moreover, each is interesting in its own way, which means that you will have to visit the museum at least twice.
One more trifle: in comparison with the scorching Sevastopol sun, inside the temperature is only 10-12 degrees. Therefore, when visiting a museum with children, be sure to bring warm clothes with you. Separately, you can see the Sheremetev exhibition on the Crimean War.
Barrel of death
A fort was built on the south coast of Balaklava, on Ascetic Mountain. The fortified ditches, casemates and gun platforms carved into the rock are not very well preserved, but the coastal observation point, called the “Barrel of Death”, is still a place for tourists to visit. An iron cylinder mounted over a cliff at an altitude of 360 meters leads to awe. Previously, there were two such points, but the second collapsed at sea. According to legend, it was in them that the red commissars were executed, hence the terrible name. It is unknown how true the legend is, but there really are traces of bullets on the walls.
Ayazma natural boundary
The mountains south of Balaklava are very picturesque: pine trees, hundreds of years old juniper bushes, wild pistachio trees mixed with the healing mountain air infused with aromas of flowers and herbs. It is amazingly beautiful here in May, when bright peonies are added to all this flowering splendor. Rocky cliffs and miniature bays stretch along the entire coast.
Balaclava beaches
This bay provides many opportunities for summer recreation. A variety of beaches, each of which is good in its own way, is ready to offer you Balaclava (Crimea). You will remember the rest for a long time, especially those who come here for the first time. In the harbor itself there are two beaches - on the left and right sides. On the left is a city beach with concrete slabs, which is not particularly difficult to get to the bulk of vacationers. Near the final stop of the regular bus.
On the opposite, right bank, there is a pebble beach equipped with pontoons and a cafe. Getting there is more difficult: by car or by a long open bus.
But many people prefer to board a boat, ship or yacht and, going out of the bay into the open sea, head to one of the most beautiful beaches: Golden, Silver, Fig tracts, “The Lost World” or “Jasper” on Cape Fiolent, otherwise get on that You can only overcome 800 steps.
A lot of fish, completely not afraid of people, clear clear water and an almost 100 percent chance of seeing frolic dolphins attract tourists to the village (Crimea) of Balaklava. The beaches are just a paradise for divers or novice divers.
Cape Fiolent
The frantic, or Tigrovy, cape is the westernmost point of the village of Balaklava (Crimea). Ukraine on the map of strategic facilities also did not pass him by. Military units and reserved places - everything is here. Many nations have appreciated this wonderful territory and claim their historical name. According to legend, it was here that Iphigenia, the priestess of the Taurus, sacrificed foreigners to local gods. The ancient Greeks called this place "God's country" and built the legendary temple of Artemis.
The first Christians lived in the surrounding caves from time immemorial, and in 891 founded the St. George Monastery, famous for its picturesque location and historical significance. According to legend, the Greek sailors were wrecked in the area, but were saved from death by St. George. Having founded a cave church, they laid the monastery, which with reconstructions has survived to the present day. A famous staircase with 800 steps descends past him, and each vacationer can draw holy water at a source in the territory and go on. According to tourists, the consecrated water is unusually tasty. Like a thousand years ago, the monastery today helps people.
Frigate "The Black Prince"
Another legend that excites the minds of many generations. In November 1854, an unprecedented storm occurred in the vicinity of the village of Balaklava (Crimea), and those vessels that did not manage to enter the harbor sank. Among them was the legendary frigate "The Black Prince", carrying salaries for the entire English army. Treasures not found so far.
Hat "Balaclava"
The famous woolen mask for the whole face with slits for the eyes, combining both a hat and a mask, is also from here. Now it is an indispensable attribute of special forces soldiers and extreme tourists. It was invented by the British during the Crimean War, when winter turned out to be especially cold. This piece of clothing turned out to be so comfortable that for almost 200 years it has not gone out of use. And although not all European residents will be able to show where Balaclava is located on the map, everyone knows the name of the headdress.
Residents of megacities can be found on the promenade and in the off-season - in autumn and spring. Wonderful walks and visits to many attractions will give tourists a lot of fun. And do not even expect to see everything in one day. Despite the small size of the harbor, you will need a lot of time to get acquainted with everything that Balaklava has to offer. Ukraine took custody of 46 historical monuments in the village, of which 21 are of national importance.
The history of Balaklava has about 3,000 thousand years, it is difficult to name the exact date of the foundation of the city. It is known that the coast of the bay has been densely populated since ancient times.
According to the testimony of Greek, Polish and Arab chroniclers, the city was known far beyond the Crimean peninsula. Perhaps, in the territory of the modern city there was the port of Lamos listrigons (known from ancient Greek myths as the place of the cannibal giants Odysseus fought with during his travels).
In the VI century BC Khersones was founded, around the Balaklava Bay there was also a village, which in Greek was called the "port of omens" - Syumbolon Limen.
A completely new period, the Roman, began in 63 BC after the conquest of Asia Minor and the Balkan region by the Roman Empire. During this period, the city flourished, became a famous center of trade. But the peace period did not last long. With III begins the great migration of peoples to the Crimean peninsula, where fearless regiments of the Huns rushed and ready. Since the VI century, Balaclava belonged to the Byzantine Empire.
In 1357, the magnificent fortress Cembalo (from the name Syumbolon) by the Genoese was erected in Balaklava. Also, a few years later, near the fortress, the Temple of 12 apostles was built. Balaclava was an important strategic object of Genoa, but in 1433 the Greek population of Balaclava began a protest against the colonization of Genoa. The rebels were able to hold the fortress and the whole city for a whole year, but the following year the army of Genoa recaptured Chembalo to their possessions.
In 1453, the Ottoman Empire defeated the great Byzantium, and since 1457, the Turkish armada was captured by the fortress. From this moment, the Turkish period of rule begins in the city. The name of the city was changed to "Balyklagy", which means a nest, a fishing place. At times, Balaklava managed to capture the Zaporozhye Cossacks, but for a long time they did not succeed in holding the defense.
In 1771, by the method of diplomacy and the signing of treaties, Turkey surrenders the city of Balaklava to the possession of Prince Dolgorukov. Since that time, the famous bay has become an important refuge for the Russian navy. Three years later, the Turkish authorities recognized the independence of Crimea, and in 1783 the whole Crimea was annexed to Russia (after the signing of the manifesto of Catherine II).
During the Crimean War, the city was captured by the British, who built the first railway in the city, shops, entertainment centers and hotels. In the fall of 1854, the famous Balaclava battle took place, in which the British were defeated and lost a significant part of their cavalry. A few weeks later a big storm arose, which sank the ships of the invaders. This incident gave rise to the legend of the “Black Prince's Gold”, for the study of which the Special Purpose Underwater Expedition was organized.
During World War II, Balaclava became an important target for fascist troops. For its capture, the 72nd division of infantry was escorted, accompanied by heavy artillery. Domestic defenders were defeated and transferred to the area of \u200b\u200bthe Genoese fortress, which played the role of an important defensive shield. So in November 1941, Soviet troops managed to repel numerous German attacks without a single human loss. The defense lasted until 1942, and in 1944 Balaklava was completely liberated from the Nazi invaders.
After the war ended, the city turned into a secret military base, and a division of submarines containing nuclear weapons was organized in Balaklava Bay. Also in the thickness of the cliff there was an underground factory for the repair of sea transport. Entrance to the territory of this facility was closed, and only in 1995 the last Russian submarine was withdrawn.
Today, when all military secrets are declassified and the city acquired the status of a resort place, more and more tourists want to explore the picturesque bay, take a walk along the ruins of the Genoese fortress, as well as simply sunbathe and swim in the clean warm Black Sea.
The southwestern coast of Crimea attracts many resorts. But there is a special and amazingly beautiful place among them - Balaklava, Crimea.
Where is?
She is both a city and a district of Sevastopol. The location at Balaklava Bay - the deepest and most convenient on the coast, protected from storms and weather, surrounded by rocks, determines the uniqueness of this resort.
How to get there?
From Sevastopol to Balaklava, the distance is only 17 km, and you can get here by direct bus. It runs several times a day. You can also choose a route to Sevastopol. Buses depart every 30 minutes.
By shuttle transport you need to get to the stop “5th” kilometer and transfer to the shuttle bus “Sevastopol - Balaklava”. The road from Yalta to the resort village also involves check-in to Sevastopol, and then to Balaklava. Route Map:
The oldest description of the bay with a narrow passage and sharp cliffs on both sides was given by Homer in the Odyssey. In his work “Geography,” Strabo called it Signal Bay.
Living here in I t. BC. e. Tauris used a narrow and almost invisible passage from the sea to the bay for their own purposes. They lured floating ships with lights and then plundered them. Since that time, the name of the village is known as Palakia, which meant the city of King Palak.
The favorable geographical location of the harbor attracted the Greeks. "Syumbolon Limn" or the Bay of Symbols - that is how they began to call it.
After the defeat of the Taurus-Scythian troops in the 60s. e. legions under the command of Plavius \u200b\u200bSylvanas, the Romans settled here for several centuries. Excavations of the XX century discovered on one of the hills the remains of the temple of Jupiter. A one-story building with nine rooms, tiled with emblems, presumably the barracks of legionnaires and coins of various denominations.
More historical monuments have been preserved in Balaclava from the stay of the Genoese.
The Middle Ages associated with the rule of the Turks. During this period, the settlement was called Balyk-Yuv, which meant the Fish Nest.
Kucuk-Kainardzhi peace treaty brought the liberation from power of the Ottoman Empire and the protectorate of Russia. Convenient harbor is becoming the main base of the Russian fleet. And the Turkish name of the village was fixed for the bay. And it gradually turned into a familiar one - “Balaclava”.
How and when did the resort appear?
After the destruction that the Crimean War brought, the city was slowly recovering. After the end of the XIX century. Livadia was acquired by Emperor Alexander II, the coast of Crimea in the southwest is becoming a popular summer vacation destination for the Russian aristocracy. K. Skyrmunt did a lot for the development of the city. The first boarding house and the first mud bath are associated with his name.
Hotels and villas began to be built. Built in neo-Greek style directly from the cliff, surrounded by gardens towered the cottage of Count M. Apraksin. At the beginning of the 20th century, the guest house of the Yusupov nobles appeared, and then summer houses of famous cultural figures were built. In a short time there are more than a hundred of them.
Two world wars did not pass without a trace for Balaclava. An important strategic position led to the creation of ground fortifications on the eve of 1914. It was the North Fort and the South. In Soviet times, the features of the bay were used to create an underground base for submarines - “Object 825 GTS”. And also the famous "Object 820". Located inside a cliff off the west coast, this facility has become the site of storage of certain types of nuclear weapons. All this led to the fact that Balaclava has long been a closed territory. Today it houses the "Balaclava Submarine Museum".
Holidays in Balaclava
Recent years have opened up rich opportunities for recreation and tourism in Balaclava. The old city is located on the shores of the bay, and the modern one is getting closer and closer to the mountains.
A comfortable vacation in the resort city creates a well-developed infrastructure and high quality service. Large selection of apartments and rooms in the private sector. It is better to book a room in a hotel or hotel in advance. The price may include set meals. But with a rich excursion program of rest, numerous cafes, cheburechnye and bars will help restore strength and please a varied menu. Basically, they are all located on the waterfront. The restaurants "Corporal", "Hut of the Fisherman" and "Balaclava" will offer guests dishes from fish caught on the same day. The interior of these restaurants is also varied. Some are decorated in the form of a tavern, others in the marine theme. You can choose the upper or lower deck overlooking the bay. However, the most popular among tourists are the beaches of Balaclava.
What beaches are there?
You can start a beach holiday with a boat trip to choose the beach that you like best. They are located in two directions. The Sevastopol direction (to the right of the bay) is the beaches on Cape Fiolent. The southern direction (to the left of the bay) is in the area of \u200b\u200bCape Ayia. All beaches are covered with pebbles, but the cleanest sea with clear water, amazing views of the surroundings and the conditions created for recreation, brighten up this little flaw.
Another feature of the beaches of Balaclava is that they can only be reached by sea or mountain trails. The most popular at Cape Fiolent is Jasper Beach. To get here, you will need to overcome 800 steps of a stone staircase. A very scenic road leads to Silver Beach. A narrow winding mountain trail will add a dose of adrenaline, romance, help to feel like a real traveler, the radiant Balaclava.
Weather in Balaclava
Sights and excursions
The cultural part of the holiday in Balaklava is connected with the historical past, which you can touch by walking along the part of the preserved ancient village.
Chembalo Fortress
It was laid in 1343 by the Genoese. They skillfully used the location of Mount Castron for defensive purposes. Unapproachable from the sea and high cliff, it was strengthened by a wall from the land. The fortress began from the embankment, where the port was located, and surrounded the residential neighborhoods of artisans. The citadel crowned the top of the mountain. Around it were 8 towers, and inside was a consular castle, a church and customs.
Temple of the Twelve Apostles
This church is also a monument of the distant XIV century. But during the heroic defense of the fortress of the period of the Crimean War, it was destroyed and restored only in 1875. After desolation in Soviet times, it was again restored and today it is a courtyard of the Inkerman St. Clement Monastery.
Natural attractions
The impression of Balaclava would be incomplete without a boat trip on a yacht. The three-hour route runs along majestic rocky cliffs, along coastal grottoes and caves of Ai-I cape, wild beaches, and the Lost World nature reserve. Cape Fiolent appears as a corner of untouched nature, demonstrating all the shades of the forest, justifying the meaning of its name - Tiger Cape.
Balaclava is a unique resort. Climate features allow you to have a great time not only in the summer, but also at other times of the year. The unusual nature, the special atmosphere of the sea coast, the edge of history and legends deserve to be remembered for a long time.
Balaclava (Crimea) in the photo
Balaklava - a picturesque corner a few kilometers south of the center of Sevastopol. Even if you plan to spend your vacation in another area of \u200b\u200bthe main port city of Crimea, you should definitely come here at least for a couple of hours. Balaclava is a pretty resort, popular among tourists in the summer - in its district there are many picturesque beaches, which can be reached by boat. After enjoying the sea and the sun, you can devote some time to the rich history of these places - to rise to the Genoese fortress and descend into the adit of the former secret naval base. At the end of our acquaintance with the town, we recommend that you look into one of the local restaurants and taste dishes of the freshest fish and seafood.
The name of the city has two versions of origin: from Turkish “fish bag”, and from Crimean Tatar - “fish weather”. In addition, a "hat" is called a "balaclava", which are bought in droves by tourists as a souvenir.
The decoration of the city is Balaklava Bay, located between high mountains. With a narrow winding strait of 1.5 km, it connects to the sea, and since the rocky coast makes several turns when entering the bay, the harbor is not noticeable from the open sea. Here, during the Crimean War, a beautiful embankment was built, which was originally called the English, and today it is the embankment. Nazukin, in honor of the hero of the civil war.
How to get to Balaclava
Balaklava is one of the distant districts of Sevastopol from the center, so the road here is equivalent to a trip to the suburbs. In addition to the Hero City itself, you can get to the famous bay from Simferopol, as well as a number of other Crimean cities, but with a transfer.
There are only 4 direct flights from Sevastopol to Balaklava, buses leave from the bus station located in the city center, you will be there in 30-40 minutes. In the summer months, this direction is especially popular, so the chance to leave is small. Fortunately, there is another way, however, you have to make a transplant, due to which the road will take longer.
Traveling by bus and minibus in Sevastopol costs 15 RUB (when paying with a single city card). The prices on the page are for November 2018.
First you need to get to the stop “5th km of Balaklava highway”. From the city center there are many buses - nos. 14, 20a, 12, 120, 2a and others. They depart from the railway station, bus station and pl. Nakhimov. Next, you need to transfer to a minibus number 9. The stop is a little away from the one to which buses from Sevastopol arrive. There are many flights to Balaclava, so you won’t have to wait long. The stop you need, "Pl. May 1, ”is located near the Balaklava Bay. Read how to get to Sevastopol.
Balaclava connects direct bus service to Simferopol. Transport from the airport bus station leaves daily, however, there are few flights. In summer, demand for tickets increases, so additional flights are introduced. Tickets will cost 230 RUB, it will take you about 2 hours to travel. Read how to get to Simferopol.
Search for flights to Sevastopol (the closest airport to Balaklava)
Transport
Balaclava is a relatively small area, public transport is needed only to get to the center or one of the nearby villages. The town itself can be bypassed in a few hours. From a tourist point of view, bus No. 126 of the Rubin LLC carrier, connecting Balaklava with Inkerman, where the eponymous vintage wine factory is located, is of interest. On route 119, you can reach the beaches in Omega and Kamyshovaya bays.
To get to other sights of Sevastopol, you must first get to the stop “5th km of Balaklava highway”, from where buses leave for most areas and suburbs.
In the summer months, maritime transport is of particular importance - it connects the city with many picturesque beaches. Getting to them by land is not so easy - the path runs through the mountains. You must admit that a 20-minute boat trip is much more pleasant than an hour-long climb under the sun. Today, city boats ply between the pier in Balaklava Bay and the beaches of Vasili, Yashmovy, Serebryany and Zolotoy. Depending on the distance, a one-way ticket will cost 150-250 RUB.
You can get to the beaches on private skiffs - small motor boats. Travel costs about the same, but they leave more often. In addition, official transport ceases to go quite early, and then a skiff becomes the only way to return to the bay.
Rent a Car
Beaches of Balaclava
Picturesque beaches are one of the main attractions, attracting thousands of tourists to this bay from year to year. There are probably more swimming places in its vicinity than in all of Sevastopol. Moreover, they are considered the best in the city.
There are 3 beaches within walking distance from the Central Embankment, the path to the rest runs through the sea or mountains.
The closest, but far from the most interesting, "City" beach is located in the center, not far from the stop "Pl. May 1st. " From the infrastructure - benches and awnings from the sun, there is no rental equipment. Vacationers are placed on towels, directly on the concrete surface. Stone steps lead to the water, which is not very convenient for bathing babies.
4 km from the center there are 2 more beaches that are easily accessible on foot. “Marble” and “Sailor” are better equipped than the “City” - there are rental loungers, umbrellas and rescue towers. Concrete platforms leading to a steep iron staircase lead to the water on the Matrossky. The sandy and pebble beach "Marble" with a gentle slope is quite suitable for families with small children.
Many beaches are located on the banks on both sides of the entrance to the Balaklava Bay. The most famous of them are “Golden” (“Far”), “Silver” (“Middle”), “Vasily” (in Vasilyeva beam) and “Jasper”. All of them are washed by the waves of the open sea and covered with pebbles, so the water here is always clean and clear, but cooler than in the bay. The beaches are well-maintained and well-maintained - cafes, lifeguard towers, rental points for umbrellas and sunbeds.
On the Yashmovoy you can ride a jet ski or a banana, and scuba diving enthusiasts should go to the Golden one - there is a diving club representative there. Diving is also carried out in other parts of the coast - the underwater world in these places is very interesting, and thanks to the crystal clear water it can be considered in great detail.
Treatment in Balaclava
Balaclava attracts not only beach lovers, but also those who care about their health. And this is not surprising, because the dry and mild climate of these places is considered healing in itself, and the air, saturated with sea salts and iodine, has a healing effect on the whole body. The bay is surrounded by cliffs on all sides. A walk through the hilly area will strengthen the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems.
Holidays in this area are especially beneficial for people with respiratory problems. In addition, it is worth coming here with children, if they often pick up all kinds of viruses and infections - the marine climate will help strengthen immunity.
There are sanatoriums in Balaklava, offering their guests a whole range of medical procedures. They are equipped with gyms, playgrounds, pools and tennis courts. Wellness services include a sauna, massage and physiotherapy exercises.
Maps of Balaclava
Diving in Balaclava
In Balaclava there is everything for diving enthusiasts - a rich underwater world, clean clear water, beautiful cliffs and interesting objects. In the vicinity of the bay there is a large selection of dive sites - Cape Ayia, the beaches of Batiliman, Fiolent, Zolotoy and others.
Making a choice in favor of a particular dive area is based on what you want to see.
And there is something to see in the depths near Balaklava - seascapes emerging from rock fragments and seething underwater life - algae and sea anemones, schools of colorful fish, several varieties of crabs. Another feature of the underwater relief is the numerous crevices, caves and grottoes. Wreck divers will also be satisfied - Italian, French, Russian and German vessels from the Crimean and World War II, as well as fragments of ancient ceramics and other objects are generously scattered across the seabed.
Anyone can go diving in Balaclava - most clubs offer special test dives with an instructor for beginners. No training is required, training is being conducted. All the pleasure, along with equipment rental, will cost 2650-3500 RUB. For certified experienced divers, the choice of diving areas is greater, and the price is less - from 1200 RUB. It includes guide services and equipment - a cylinder and a cargo belt.
Hotels of Balaclava
Due to the special popularity of the resort among tourists, in a small Balaclava the choice of accommodation options is quite large - hotels, guest houses and apartments. True, the situation with budget housing is not very good. There is only one hostel, and that has 3 dormitory rooms. But they are equipped pretty well - satellite TV, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. And the location is good - just 5 minutes walk from the Central Embankment. A bed in a dormitory room costs 700 RUB per night.
Most hotels are concentrated in the center, but there are options on the outskirts. However, this does not mean that you can save a lot on living. Prices for a room in a three-star hotel on the beach - from 2500 RUB.
In the central area there are many middle class hotels. A day in an economy class room costs from 1200 RUB per person, a double room is 2 times more expensive. However, nearby you can find hotels without a category, but with a rather high cost of accommodation - from 4000 RUB per night.
What to bring
Souvenir shops and shops in Balaclava will not have to look for a long time. Most of them are concentrated on the Nazukin embankment. One of the main symbols of the city are the caps of the same name.
They owe their name to the heat-loving English soldiers who wore them during the Crimean War to protect them from severe frosts.
Other traditional Balaclava souvenirs are essential oils and teas made from local medicinal herbs. Also popular among tourists are items made of wood and ceramics - kitchen utensils, jewelry and magnets. Since this area is famous for its beautiful mountain and sea landscapes, they can be found here in any guise - on magnets and plates, bags, t-shirts and towels, photographs and canvases.
In Balaklava, there is one of the two Inkerman branded wine stores, so a bottle of Inkerman Legends or the Crimean Riviera is often brought from here as a souvenir. Not far from it is the Zolotaya Balka champagne factory store.
The price range for souvenirs is quite large - from 100 RUB per magnet or keychain to several thousand per oil painting. As for shopping, then it is definitely not worth going to Balaclava - there are no large shopping centers and brand boutiques here.
Cafes and Restaurants in Balaclava
Despite the miniature Balaclava, on its streets there are many cafes, bars and restaurants. Back in the 19th century, these places were famous for hospitality and fine cuisine. By the way, most of the restaurants of modern Balaklava are concentrated on the Nazukin embankment, in the buildings that have been preserved since then.
The hallmark of restaurants are seafood dishes. You will find fish menus in almost every establishment, with hot dishes and snacks prepared mostly from the freshest, most recently caught fish. Those who want to try all the variety of local cuisine should visit one of the restaurants on the Central Embankment. Prices, however, can bite - the average bill sometimes reaches 3000 RUB.
Those wishing to save money should go to a cafe, and further away from the center. There you can find a pretty good kitchen and breakfast for 300-400 RUB, and even less in the dining rooms. The golden mean is cafes and bars with a varied and tasty fish menu, but a rather simple interior. The average check in them is from 1000 RUB. For those who prefer Italian or Japanese cuisine, there is a pizzeria and sushi bar in Balaclava.
Attractions and attractions of Balaclava
Despite the fact that Balaklava gained fame as a resort back in the 19th century, for our contemporaries it was inaccessible until the collapse of the USSR. In the middle of the 20th century, the Soviet authorities placed an underground plant here for the repair and equipment of submarines. The object was secret, and Balaclava was also classified with it.
Today, the base was replaced by the Naval Museum Complex - one of the main historical attractions of the city. Its exposition is located there, in the bowels of Mount Tavros. Guests are invited to take a walking tour or take a boat trip on the shipping channel.
The naval base in the bay was secret, and Balaclava was also classified with it.
However, the secret factory belongs to a relatively recent history, and in fact, monuments of much earlier events have been preserved in Balaklava. One of them is the ruins of the Genoese fortress of Chembalo, once proud and impregnable. Today, from the former greatness, several dilapidated towers and fragments of the fortress walls remained.
Chembalo stands on Mount Krepostnaya, and the path to it cannot be called easy. However, it’s worth it - ancient stones keep the memory of past battles, and on a steep cliff that once protected the Genoese from enemies, it’s literally breathtaking. In addition, a wonderful view of the mountains and the Balaklava Bay opens from there.
A little distance from the promenade, on the street. Rubtsova, is the oldest Orthodox church in Crimea - the Church of the Twelve Apostles. It was built back in the mid-14th century by the Genoese. The building has undergone several rebuildings and reconstructions; the appearance that it acquired in the 18th century has survived to this day. Tourists are attracted by the architecture of the church, as well as its main shrines - the relics of St. Blessed Vasily and St. Rev. Sergius of Radonezh.
Not far from the bay, near metro Fiolent, there is another religious attraction - St. George Monastery. According to legend, it was founded in the 9th century. The monastery is famous for a long staircase of 800 steps, leading to the picturesque "Jashmovo" beach.
The holiday season begins in May and lasts until mid-September. Summer in Balaclava is hot and dry, rainfall is rare, but very plentiful. Rest is best in late August - early September. By this time, the air temperature drops to comfortable, and the water remains warm.
Balaklava is a compact, but very picturesque village in the region of Sevastopol. It is popular with tourists due to its magnificent nature, cozy beaches and the possibility of outdoor activities. In this article - all useful information about Balaclava - how to get, what to do, Balaclava attractions with photos and descriptions, the history of the resort.
Resort History
Homer first mentioned the beautiful harbor surrounded by rocks in Odyssey. The ancient narrator called the settlement located here Lamos and mentioned that the bay is completely hidden from the sea, and the water here is always calm.
The coast passed many times “from hand to hand”. Until the 1st century n e. its main inhabitants were the Taurus, who founded a fishing village. Among the subsequent "owners" were the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, who founded the village. Yamboli, Italians who built the famous fortress of Cembalo.
In the XIV century., During the uprising of the Greek population of the fortress, it passed to the Principality of Theodoro, and afterwards became part of the Ottoman Empire. Probably, then a toponym appeared: the Turks called the fortress "Balyk-ju", which means "fish nest."
In 1624, the Cossacks seized the fortress, and then it passed into the possession of the Russian Empire. During the Crimean War, the town was captured by the British, who built a wooden embankment, water supply and the first railway on the peninsula.
After the British left the city, Balaklava for some time was part of the Yalta district, and then developed as a resort. Pensions, hotels were opened, at the beginning of the XX century. the cottage of Count Apraskin and the Yusupovs hunting lodge, land fortifications that were used during the wars were built.
Many military facilities (including a secret base) appeared in the Soviet period, so for some time the settlement was closed. And in 1957, Balaclava officially lost the status of a city.
Sights of Balaclava - photo with description
By the majority of Crimeans, Balaklava is perceived as a separate city, although administratively it is a district of Sevastopol. There are many attractions that are definitely worth visiting if you have chosen a vacation in Crimea.
First of all, the settlement is famous for Balaklava Bay, the most convenient on the Black Sea coast. There are never storms in it, rocks completely hide the bay from prying eyes. Previously, submarines were based here, and now the vessels of the Black Sea Fleet are located.
Along the town stretches the most beautiful embankment, bearing the name of the war hero I.A. Nazukin.
Not far from Balaklava embankment is the oldest church of the Twelve Apostles that is currently operating on the peninsula, built on the site of the Byzantine temple, which stood here in the 6th century. The temple dates back to the times of the Genoese period, and it owes its temple architecture to the 18th century and is considered unique. During the reconstruction of the building, a stone was found with an inscription stating that the church was erected in 1357.
During the Crimean War, it was destroyed, and completely restored only by the end of the 19th century. It was decorated with porticoes and consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who is the patron saint of sailors. After the victory in the Crimean War, the Greek Balaclava battalion kept its banners here.
The temple is famous not only for its centuries-old existence. Its architecture was recognized as unique, which has no analogues in the world, and is in the register of architectural monuments of the 18th century. The building was built in the form of a cross with a dome located in the center, the walls are made of marble rubble limestone. At the entrance to the temple are white stone columns, and the interior remains snow-white, not affected by frescoes for several centuries.
In the USSR, the church was closed and various organizations were located in its building. But in 1990, the architect Yuri Lositsky presented his project for the reconstruction of the building and by the summer of that year, for the first time in many years, a service was held there.
Stepping on the land of Balaclava, you will certainly hear the traditions and legends of the famous fortress Cembalo. The remains of its towers on Mount Castron are visible from afar. At one time, this citadel made Balaklava Bay an inaccessible harbor. According to the annals, its construction was begun in the middle of the 14th century, and ended in the second half of the 15th century. Consular inscriptions preserved from those times are evidence of this. It is possible that the Genoese could build a fortress on the ruins of the foundations that remained from the time of the Romans and Greeks, the presence of which is confirmed by archaeological excavations.
A stone staircase leads to the first tower, even children will climb, but the next ones will have to be reached along a mountain trail. But from above, an incredibly beautiful view of the village and the Black Sea opens.
Chembalo’s representative office was located between the Kalamita citadel near the Black River and Cape Sarych. On the cliff were built up and down defensive cities, which were a well-fortified palace.
The city at the top bore the name of the patron saint of sailors Nikolai. It contained the entire administrative building of the colony. In the Consular Castle on the lower floor there was a large tank for storing drinking water. In the lower city, defensive walls were built that reliably protected the castle, it was named after George the Victorious.
The remains of Chembalo are clearly visible from the promenade, there are steps here, you can climb them to the highest point of Castron and, rising up to imagine what the fortress was like during its formation. It took its origin from the old port and market that were in the bay, the first tower was the beginning of the walls of the fortress, all of Chembalo was surrounded by 16 towers.
At the top of the dungeon tower, amazing beauty opens, a bird's eye view of the sea to the horizon, on the right side of the mountain you can see Cape Fiolent, on the left - Ayia, and turning back you can see all of Balaklava in all its glory.
Unfortunately, all the monuments of the Crimea, which belong to the Genoese period, are not an exception, and Chembalo, has long been turned into ruins and continues to collapse. So far, no one was willing to restore them.
Underground Naval Museum Complex Balaclava
Most vacationers in Crimea come to Balaklava to visit the Balaklava Museum and Naval Complex, which became a museum in 2002. It was created on the basis of an underground plant intended for the repair and maintenance of submarines located in adits.
This is a unique attraction of Balaclava, as a kind of monument to the Cold War, military history, the technology of those years, that Balaclava, which was a classified base of nuclear submarines (object GTS No. 825).
The bay became a military base even before the war, and already in the 50s they began to build a nuclear facility. To create a secret base, Balaclava was chosen - a bay completely isolated from prying eyes, closed by a small strait. Unique defensive structures were made in the shortest possible time, in the most difficult conditions, underground in just 8 years and are a brilliant indicator of engineering work.
Here, at a sufficient depth, in the rocks, an artificial water source, dry docks, technical sections, in which submarines, fuel depots, and a secret mine-torpedo section were serviced and repaired, were made. It was possible to leave Tavros Mountain through two exits, one led into the bay, the other into the open sea, both exits were well camouflaged.
At the end of the last century, in connection with the rearmament of the fleet, the object ceased to be secret and lost its significance. Here, from the little that has been preserved, exhibitions have been organized devoted to the historical significance of the Black Sea Fleet and the submarine forces of the country. For inspection, some areas were opened, passing near the underground channel, premises that were formerly factory shops and an arsenal of torpedoes and nuclear warheads. Here you can also see models of warships and some types of equipment and weapons of the time.
Here, in one of the caves, an exposition of rare exhibits related to the Crimean War is presented, which was kindly provided by the Sheremetev family from Kiev. Here you can see military ammunition, uniforms, awards, some types of different weapons. Here on the maps of battles you can see the routes of that war, read letters from soldiers and much more.
Cape Fiolent and St. George Monastery
To one of the most beautiful places of the peninsula can be attributed Cape Fiolent, which attracts with a picturesque landscape, clear sea, white beach and stones at the bottom of the sea, which are overgrown with marine vegetation. Here it is especially pleasant to watch the sea in calm, at this time the water in the sea is completely clear.
It was formed as a result of the eruption that existed here in the prehistoric period, the volcano, as evidenced by the frozen lava flows on its surface, on the already covered with limestone slopes veins of semiprecious minerals.
The cape is overgrown with many traditions and names, and everyone chooses a legend to his taste. Initially, it was called Parthennum and, according to legend, personified Iphigenia, brought here by the goddess Artemis to sacrifice her to the gods, who later became the priestess of the Temple of the Virgin. He began to be called St. George, according to another legend, after St. George appeared to the wrecked sailors, who helped them.
Having landed on a cliff, they discovered the face of George on it and after that, the surviving sailors, in gratitude for the salvation, erected a monastery here in his honor. But it began to be called Fiolent not very long ago, and to this day there are debates about where this name came from, either from the land of God, or from the frantic nature of the cape.
To understand what Cape Fiolent is, you need to imagine a very high mountain with the sea at the foot and an old staircase of 800 steps, if you go down it, you can see sheer cliffs above the beach, the sea and the rock in it, with a towering cross placed there in ancient times.
Cape Fiolent On the rocks of Fiolent above Yashmovo beach there is St. George Rock, here stands the one of a kind St. George's Monastery, where a pagan temple used to stand. According to legend, it was built at the end of the 9th century by sailors, whom Saint George helped to save. Priests (chaplains) for the fleet came out of this monastery, many emperors of Russia visited there, and Pushkin, who was in this land, left overflowing with impressions.
To commemorate the millennium anniversary of the monastery in 1891 on a rock, where sailors saw the phenomenon of St. George, they installed a cross on which the saint defeats the dragon and dates 891-1891.In the beginning of the 20s of the last century, the monastery was given over to the military unit of the Black Sea Fleet, and in the 90s they began to revive it again. Restoration work is still underway, but the monastery accepts everyone who wants to attend the service.
Merdven-Tobe waterfall in the vicinity of the village of Rodnoe (Balaklava district)
Really unlimited reserves of the sights of Crimea. Here and in the Baydar Valley, their full abundance. One of those is considered to be the Merwden Tobe Falls, which literally means an inverted staircase, he got this name due to his shape.
The form of the rock, with which gracefully, streams of water flow down, falling with special grace into the green expanse of the lake, in fact, is very similar to an inverted staircase. The green shore of the lake resembles a tropical landscape, something in it is Hollywood.
Here, under the visor, is the ivy-covered Koba-Chair grotto, in which even on the hottest day you can find coolness. If you look at the waterfall from the grotto, you will see an amazing sight of the game of water with the sun. In a very hot summer, the waterfall almost dries, so it’s best to admire all its beauty in March-April.
But, despite this, the lake remains at the disposal of vacationers. The place to relax is very well equipped, there are tables, benches, changing rooms, i.e. everything you need for a good rest. There is a waterfall near the village of Rodnoe, so the locals call it Rodnovsky waterfall. Not far from it there is an ostrich farm where you can hear a lot of interesting things about ostriches, go fishing and relax at the campsite.
For many years, a beautiful dilapidated building has been standing on the Tauride Embankment in Balaklava Bay. They call it the Yusupovs hunting lodge, although the word lodge is poorly suited to this structure.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Yusupov family, who loved Crimea very much, replenished their collection of houses here with another summer palace. Their dynasty was the wealthiest in tsarist Russia. Unfortunately, not a single member of the Yusupov family lived in this house.
The only heir to this dynasty, Felix was implicated in the organization of the murder of Grigory Rasputin, and their entire family, like other representatives of the Romanov clan, were taken to England. Later, the heir and his wife moved to the capital of France, where they remained until the end of their days.
Now this architectural monument is not suitable for visiting tourists, but, nevertheless, the majestic walls of the once beautiful palace remember those times of the great empire.
What else to do in Balaclava?
Balaclava is popular with tourists. First of all, they are attracted by wonderful beaches, which can be reached by booking a boat trip. Several bathing spots are easily accessible on foot. For example, the City Beach is located in the center, and a little further, 4 km from the central square, there are well-maintained Sailor and Marble beaches.
Tourists are invited to go fishing, book an excursion on ATVs, ride horses or fly with a paraglider. Yachting and diving are developed.
There are many dining rooms, cafes and restaurants in Balaclava that specialize mainly in fish dishes. Balaklava ear is famous throughout the coast. After tasting the local delicacies, you should take bus number 126 and go to Inkerman, where you can taste fine wines.
Helpful information
The season in Balaclava begins in late spring and lasts until September. There are direct flights from Simferopol. Buses go from the bus station, but only four flights per day. Easier to get from Sevastopol: from pl. Nakhimov there are city buses No. 2a, 12, 14, 20a, 120. You should go to the stop. “5th km of the Balaklava highway”, then by minibus number 9 - to the stop. “May 1st Square”. From it is very close to the bay.
