Balaklava is the most picturesque suburb of Sevastopol. The Mystery of Balaclava. How a secret submarine base became a museum What is the name of a mountain in a balaclava

Those that have survived to this day can be found in Homer’s poem “The Odyssey”, in which Homer describes the events of the 12th century BC:

"We entered a beautiful harbor there. It is surrounded
The rocks on both sides are a continuous wall.
Near the entrance they rise high against each other
There are two capes running out, and the entrance to this harbor is narrow.
There we met the bloodthirsty Lestrygonians"
As historians agree, it was the Taurus tribe that lived in these places at that time.

The second mention of Balaklava is also in the Greek epic, about two friends Arest and Pilate who arrived here 10 years after the landing of Odysseus. On the banks of Badaklava, where the bloodthirsty Listrigons live, they had to steal the statue of Artemis.
The first Greek name of Balaklava is Sumbolon Limen, which means “Bay of Omens”.
The next name that appears in history is the name by which we now know the city, Balaklava. The name Balaklava has two translations from Tatar - “Fish Nest” and “Fish Weather”.

The first historical mention of Balaclava dates back to the 1st century AD. Pliny the Elder. Traveling through Taurida (one of the first names of Crimea, which existed until the Middle Ages), he describes Balaklava as a fishing village and a gathering place for pirates.
At the end of the 1st century AD, a Roman army led by Plautius Silvanus defeated the Tauro-Scythians near Chersonese. After the victory, the Romans erected a temple to Jupiter in Balaklava and named the city Sumbolon.

In 145 AD. Emperor Antoninus Pius helps the rulers of Chersonesos in battles with the remnants of the Taurus and Scythians, the latter were thrown back to the northern and eastern part of Crimea. At this time, the fortress in Balaklava was strengthened and Roman rule was strengthened. All important positions are occupied by the Romans, the Greeks are mainly engaged in trade. The Romans live in Balaklava until 240, this year they leave the territory of Tavria and hand over the city to the Greeks.

In 1204, Byzantium fell and the Genoese seized trade routes to Crimea. In Balaklava they begin to build a fortress and defensive structures to protect merchant ships; the fortress has a strategic purpose and is the key to the capital, Chersonesos. In Balaklava Bay, warships are constantly on duty, ready at any moment to repel an enemy attack.

In 1475, the city, after a long siege, fell under attack Ottoman Empire, chroniclers attribute the first mention of the name Balikaya to this period. And for many years the Ottoman Empire gained a foothold there.

In 1624, Balaklava was captured by the Cossacks, the city was partially plundered, the Greek settlements in the city were practically undamaged, the Ottoman settlements were looted and burned. The Cossacks did not hold the fortress and the city for a long time; after the plunder, they returned with the loot to their capital, to the island of Khortitsa.

In 1773, on June 23, Turkish ships were attacked near Balaklava by 2 Russian ships “Crown” and “Taganrog”, and after 6 hours of battle, the Turkish ships, completely defeated, retreated. This was the first Russian-Turkish War and the first naval victory on the Black Sea; won in a minority, it brought great glory to the Russian navy. After the battle, Balaklava became the first ever port of the Russian fleet on the territory of Crimea.

In 1787, Empress Catherine II visited Balaklava; she wrote that Balaklava was the key to Crimea and ordered the construction of military fortifications.

In October 1854, a squadron of the English navy entered Balaklava; after fierce resistance, some of the defenders surrendered, and some, managing to escape from the encirclement, reached the Russian army's base in Yalta. Those who surrendered to the mercy of the victors were either killed or engaged in menial work to restore or improve the city.

In 1855 A bloody battle took place near Balaklava, although the Russian troops did not win in it, the morale of the British was suppressed, the British held Balaklava with huge losses, and the place of the battle was called “Death Valley”.
During the stay of the British in Balaklava, the first wooden embankment in the city was built; later it became known as the Nazukin embankment. Many shops and artisans appeared.
At the same time, the British began construction of the first railway in Crimea, it connected with Balaklava, the length was almost 13 km.
Throughout the entire period the British were in, the city was not calm all the time, there were constant murders, the gallows were not empty even for a day. The English sailors, one at a time, practically did not move around the city, and only went out into the surrounding area in groups; there was very strong resistance from the local residents.

Already in 1856, the British hastily abandoned the port, the city was almost plundered again, and the rebuilt railway was dismantled and sold to the Turks.
The restoration of the city was completely completed in 1871, the city became one of popular resorts Russian aristocracy.

In 1887, the first hotel, the Grand Hotel, was opened in the city and a year later, Prince Yusupov built a hunting lodge on the opposite shore of the bay. Balaklava is gaining its popularity.

During the First World War, Balaklava was occupied by Germany, then came under French intervention and in the twenties came under the rule of the Bolsheviks. The population of the city was not large, with the outbreak of the First World War about 400 people. The city was practically deserted.

In 1931, the first diving school in the USSR was built, and the city was reborn again like a phoenix.
During the Second World War, the city was defended for almost a year; Russian troops left the city practically wiped off the face of the earth.

In 1945, the city was visited by English Prime Minister Winston Churchill on a short visit to honor the memory of the war dead in the “Valley of Death”.

In 1953 - 63 In Balaklava, a base for submarines was built under a rock, secret name - one of the monumental structures of the USSR. There were tactical submarines with nuclear weapons.

In 1957, due to the secrecy of the facility, Balaklava was transferred to the jurisdiction of the city.

In 1990, after the collapse of the USSR, Balaklava became part of Ukraine, the secret bunker was looted, and Russian ships were redeployed to other Russian bases.

In 2014, together with Crimea, it became part of the Russian Federation and received a new round of its history.

And it is located 5 km southwest of it, near the bay of the same name. Until 1957 it had city status. It was first mentioned in written sources in Homer's Odyssey. IN different time Greeks, Romans, Genoese, Turks and Tatars lived on the shores of Balaklava Bay. During Crimean War in the city there were camps of English troops and a parking lot British Navy. After the Yalta Conference, in 1945, Churchill visited Balaklava.

The city began to develop as a resort in the 70s of the 19th century. Around the same time, Lesya Ukrainka and Alexander Kuprin lived in the city for some time. From 1926 to 1941, a tram ran to Balaklava from Sevastopol. In 1957 locality lost its city status and became part of Sevastopol. This happened due to the start of construction of a plant for “repairing and equipping submarines” in the thickness of the rocks of Balaklava Bay.

Now Balaklava - small resort, attracting tourists due to the absence of city bustle, proximity wild beaches and a favorable location.

Beaches

In Balaklava and its surroundings there are about three dozen beaches open to the public. 3 of them are among 20 the most beautiful beaches Crimea. There are both well-equipped rookeries (Zolotoy, Serebryany, Yashmovy, Matrossky) and wild ones (Avtobat, Tsarsky, Cape Lermontov, Cape Bronevoy, Mayak, Cape Vinogradny, Reserve, Nudist, Goly, Skalki).

Jasper Beach

Golden Beach

Most of the beaches are large and small pebble and only 2 are concrete and gravel (City and Matrossky). Absolutely none at the resort sandy beaches, convenient for families with children. But this is partially compensated by the presence of playgrounds and slides in well-maintained rookeries.

Sailor Beach

In the area of ​​capes Sarych and Feolent there are many small coves with unequipped small beaches where you can frolic or sunbathe naked. Most of them are located in hard-to-reach places that are not always accessible by car or bicycle. It is better to get to them by taxi boats, which moor at the embankment pier. In general, we can say that the beaches of Balaklava are perfect place for the holidays of singles, childless families or large groups.

Cape Feolent

Where will he settle?

You can stay in Balaklava in one of several hotels. Their room capacity includes 2-4 bed economy class rooms, luxury rooms and VIP apartments. All hotels have wireless Internet, hot water and the possibility of organizing excursions around the area and Sevastopol. Some of them have restaurants, conference rooms, and online room reservations are available.

The best accommodation establishment in Balaklava is considered to be the KuprINN hotel. You can also stay in guest houses or rent a room from private sector homeowners.

Where to eat?

According to official data, there are about two dozen catering establishments in Balaklava. Some of them are located near the bay or on boats moored to the embankment. In cafes and restaurants you can try dishes of Russian, Crimean Tatar, Italian and fish cuisines. The best of them is considered to be the Fisherman's Hut cafe.

Attractions

The most visited attraction of the resort is the Naval museum complex"Balaklava", which is a complex of underground structures designed for the repair and maintenance of submarines. It was built in 1955-1961 by order of Joseph Stalin. Until 1995 it was used for its intended purpose. In 2003 it was turned into a museum. Now open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

At the entrance to the bay, on a rock, rises the Genoese fortress of Cembalo. It was built in the 14th century. Over its long history, it was captured by the Mongols, Greeks, Turks, British and Germans. During the Ottoman Empire, it was a place of imprisonment for guilty khans. During the Crimean War, it was defended from the British by soldiers of the Greek battalion. Several of its towers and part of the walls have still been preserved.

The main temple of the city - the Church of the 12 Apostles was built in 1357. In 1794 and 1875 it was restored and rebuilt. Before the Second World War, it was the home of pioneers, and after OSOAVIAKHIM. In 1990 it was again transferred to the church.

There are few attractions in Balaklava, but they are interesting to see and touch with your own hands.

Where to have fun?

Entertainment options in Balaklava include diving, trips on boats, off-road vehicles, ATVs, sea fishing, and sea taxi trips to remote beaches.

Young couples can rent a yacht for the evening and watch the sunset at sea, admire the coastline of the resort and its surroundings, or visit one of picturesque bays located near the village. For lovers active rest Horseback riding, cycling, paragliding and hang gliding are available. You can also go on an excursion to Sevastopol, Yalta, Sudak and other cities and corners of Crimea.

The resort has several nightclubs, which regularly host discos, theme parties and shows. The best DJs in Russia and neighboring countries regularly appear at their consoles. Each club has from 2 to 4 rooms where music of a wide variety of styles is played. Any of the establishments can accommodate from 300 to 1000 people. In the nightclubs of Balaklava you can dance, drink, smoke hookah and just have a good rest.

Weather

The climate in Balaklava is moderate, close to the Mediterranean. Warm air currents come from the south in early spring. This area is protected from cold arctic winds Crimean mountains. Spring is early at the resort. Warming begins already at the end of March. Summer is hot and dry. Autumn is rainy but warm, and winter is mild. The warmest months of the year are July and August, when the average temperature is +21...23°C. At the same time, the sea off the coast of the area warms up to +23...24°C. The coldest months are January and February with average temperature at +3…4°C.

How to get there?

From the Simferopol bus station, buses depart to Balaklava at intervals of approximately 3 hours in summer and 4 hours in winter. The first one leaves at about 7.00, the last one at 17.00. There are no direct buses from small bus stations in the capital of Crimea to Balaklava.

You can also quickly get to Balaklava by taxi.

Prices

You can get to Balaklava from Simferopol by bus for 120-140 rubles. For a simple 1-2x local number in a hotel you will have to pay 800-1200 rubles per day, for a 3-4 bed room - 1000-1800 "wooden", for a 1-2 bed suite 2500-4000 rubles, for a 3-4 bed suite 3500-5000.

In the private sector, a bed will cost 500-1000 rubles per day, depending on the comfort of the house. The average cost of lunch in a cafe or restaurant will be 800-1000 rubles, depending on the set of dishes and the class of the establishment.

You can take a taxi boat to the beach for 300-600 rubles. A fishing tour will cost 5000-7000 rubles, romantic walk on a yacht - from 15,000 to 45,000.

A horse ride will cost 700-800 rubles per hour. ATV ride 500-1500 rub. per hour per person. A tour of Balaklava or Sevastopol will cost 500-800 rubles, in other cities and corners of Crimea - 800-2000.

You can go on a 1-2-day walking or cycling trip for 400-1500 rubles. For an evening in a nightclub you will have to pay from 1000 to 5000 rubles.

In the 60s of the 1st century AD. e. (between 63 and 66) Roman legions under the command of the legate of the province of Lower Moesia, Plautius Silvanus, defeated the Tauro-Scythian army that besieged Chersonese. Soon after this, Roman garrisons were introduced into Chersonesos, and the Kharaks fortress was erected on Cape Ai-Todor, and a military camp also appeared in Sumbolon Bay. It is from this time that the dating of the Chersonese and Roman coins found on the territory of Balaklava begins. Several Roman buildings were also discovered - a one-story, nine-room building (the so-called “state house”), which was covered with tiles with legin marks, as well as a temple dedicated to Jupiter Dolichen.

After the Roman troops left Crimea in the mid-240s, the city did not become empty; the Greek village remained there until the 370s, when it was destroyed by the invasion of the Huns. However, already at the beginning of the 7th century, the Greek village of Yamboli was recorded here; in 702, Emperor Justinian II, who fled from Chersonesos, hid here. Name Yamboli is a distortion of the original Sumbolon.

Genoese colony

At the beginning of the 13th century, Yamboli was included in the territory of the Principality of Theodoro. But already in 1345, Yamboli was captured by the Genoese, who, however, did not hold the city for long, since they were driven out of there by Tatar troops. Nevertheless, in 1357 the colony again found itself in the hands of Genoa: it was this year that the construction of the Cembalo fortress began - this is how the Italians adopted the name Yamboli. In 1380, the Golden Horde Khan Tokhtamysh, seeking to enlist the support of the Genoese, gave them ownership of all South coast Crimea - from Alushta to Balaklava; this territory was named captaincy of Gothia.

View of the Chembalo fortress. Early 20th century postcard

After the plague epidemic of 1429 and the drought of 1428-1430, the Greek population of Cembalo in the fall of 1433 rebelled against Genoese rule, during which the Principality of Theodoro, with the support of the first khan of independent Crimea, Hadji I Giray, captured the city. The 16th-century Italian historian Umberto Foglieta wrote about this event:

“This year, the Greek residents of Chembalo, the city of Tauride Chersonese, formed a conspiracy against the Genoese rulers of the city, suddenly taking up arms, and, having expelled the Genoese, they handed over the city to some Greek Alexei, ruler Fedoro...”

English camp near Balaklava. 1855

Balaklava embankment. 1856

Crimean War

On October 13 (25), in the valley north of Balaklava, the so-called Battle of Balaklava took place: the Russian army sought to capture English camp and thereby cut off supplies to the British. The battle site was later named Death Valley, in 1856 the British erected a memorial sign there and there is an English cemetery, which was visited by Winston Churchill in 1945 after the Yalta Conference. (For more information about Churchill's visit, see.)

Until the end of the war, the British army and navy were based in Balaklava. The British built a wooden embankment (now the Nazukin embankment is located on this site), water supply was also installed and highways were built. In the village of Kadykovka (now part of the city) there were shops, hotels and entertainment venues. In addition, in February-March 1854, the British built the first Balaklava railway in Crimea, 12.8 km long, connecting Balaklava Bay and a military depot in the Sapun Mountain area. After the war Railway was dismantled and sold to the Turks.

Dacha of Count Apraksin. Early 20th century postcard

Meretskaya's dacha. Early 20th century postcard

View of the New Embankment. Early 20th century postcard

Crimean resort

In 1947-1955, a underground plant for the repair and equipment of submarines - the so-called “Object 825 GTS”. It is located inside a rock on the western shore of the bay and also has access from the sea. The plant would not have been damaged even in the event of a direct atomic strike with a power of up to 100 kt; it could accommodate up to three thousand people and had an extensive life support system. The plant can simultaneously accommodate up to seven submarines. The depth of the channel reaches 8 m, the width ranges from 12 to 22 m. total area all premises and passages of the plant are 9600 m², the area of ​​the underground water surface is 5200 m². In 1994, the last submarine left Balaklava and the plant ceased operations and was looted. Now part of the plant is a museum.

Since the plant was secret object, in 1957 Balaklava was transferred to Sevastopol, losing its city status, and became a closed territory. Until the end of the Cold War, Balaclava remained a closed city.

Genoese fortress Cembalo

The fortress was founded on Mount Kastron, located at the eastern entrance to the bay. At the top of the cliff was the City of St. Nicholas - a citadel, surrounded on one side by a cliff, and on the other by powerful walls with eight towers, and two towers stood alone and were not connected to the walls. Inside the citadel there was a consular castle-tower (presumably about 15 m in height), a massaria (customs) and a church, which probably served as a tomb for noble residents. The consul was elected in Genoa for a period of one year and was the main executive and judicial authority of the city; he, together with the castellan of the Castle of St. Nicholas, was the head of the garrison, which consisted of 40 crossbowmen. The consul's personal guard, apparently, were several Tatar cavalrymen.

On the slope of the mountain was the City of St. George, in which she lived most of townspeople - artisans, traders, fishermen. The lower city was also surrounded by walls with six towers, and was also protected from the south by a cliff. Below, under the mountain, in the bay, there was a port and market.

In the 1460s, the fortifications of the City of St. George were rebuilt, and a citadel with a powerful donjon tower was erected in the southeastern corner, which was located in one of the most high points, at the top of the cliff, and is currently preserved at its full height (about 20 m). The donjon had three tiers: the first was occupied by a water tank, the second floor was residential (the remains of a fireplace were preserved there), the third tier was occupied by a patrol, it is possible that the donjon was also used as a lighthouse. Water entered the cistern through a clay pipeline from the source of Kefalo-Vrisi (Greek Κεφαλή Βρύση - head [beginning] of the source), which is located at the top of the beam of the same name, on Mount Spilia (Greek Σπήλια - cave); the source is still used to supply water to Balaklava. The same tank for collecting water was probably located in the lower tier of the consular tower.

From 2004 to 2007, restoration work was carried out on the tower. On the night of July 16-17, 2008, part of the donjon tower collapsed after heavy rain. There is another opinion regarding the collapse of part of the tower: “The tower stood for quite a long time and could not collapse after a rainstorm, no matter how strong it was. The restorers are to blame for this, they violated the structure and integrity of the tower!”

Church of the Twelve Apostles

Temple of the Twelve Apostles

In addition to the fortress, a church has been preserved in Balaklava since the time of Genoese rule - now the Church of the Twelve Apostles (Rubtsova St., 41). According to one version, it was built in 1357, as indicated by the inscription on a stone discovered under a layer of plaster during restoration: “1357, on the day of September, this construction began during the administration of the modest husband Simono de Orto, consul and castellan." In 1794, the church was restored and a portico was added. It is unknown in whose honor the temple was originally consecrated; At the end of the Crimean War, the church was consecrated in honor of St. Nicholas. In Soviet times, a house of pioneers was set up in the church, and then the Osoaviakhim club. After the transfer of the temple to the Church in 1990, it was re-dedicated in honor of the Twelve Apostles.

Small resort town Balaklava, located near Sevastopol, has a long, rich history and boasts architectural monuments from different periods. Since ancient times, its unique location has attracted settlers who could safely hide their ships in the bizarre and winding bay.

First of all, tourists go to see the medieval Genoese fortress of Cembalo, which was once a powerful bastion and protected the entire stretch of coast. Then they go to boat trip along the bay or get there by water transport to one of the surrounding beaches. The third point is visiting memorable places, among which are monuments, temples, Soviet-era military installations and museums.

Apartments and hotels at affordable prices.

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What to see and where to go in Balaklava?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. Balaklava Bay

Balaklava or, as it is often called, “Secret Bay” was formed as a result of a tectonic fault. It cuts 1.5 km deep into the coast, expanding and narrowing into different places(the width of the narrowest passage is about 50 meters). Because of this shape, the bay is practically invisible from the Black Sea, which in the past was very convenient for ships hiding in the bay.

2. Chembalo Fortress

An ensemble of buildings on Fortress Hill, built during the Genoese Republic in the 14th–18th centuries. Previously, behind the ring of walls there was the whole city, reliably fortified and guarded by a garrison. In the second half of the 15th century, Cembalo was captured by the Turks, and in the 18th century military units were stationed on its territory Russian Empire. In subsequent years, the complex gradually fell into disrepair until only ruins remained.

3. Object 825GTS

A secret Cold War-era base that was intended to house and repair nuclear submarines, as well as store ammunition. In 1993, the facility was closed and over the next 10 years it was virtually destroyed and looted, as its structures contained rare non-ferrous metals. In the 2000s, in the territory former base a museum was created dedicated to the history of Balaklava and the milestones in the development of the submarine and surface fleets with an exhibition of antique weapons.

4. Nazukina embankment

The promenade of Balaklava, where there is a diving center, a yacht club, a cinema, restaurants, bars and piers for ships. From the shore there is a view of Balaklava Bay and the mountain with the ruins of the Chembalo fortress. Along the embankment there are houses from the late 19th – early 20th centuries – former private dachas and hotels. From here you can go on a boat trip around the bay.

5. Balaklava History Museum

The museum building is located on the Nazukin embankment. Visitors are offered not only a tour of the exhibition, but also walks along the bay with access to the sea, and food tasting local cuisine, as well as a street route, including a visit to the Chembalo fortress. The permanent collection of the museum is dedicated to the history of Balaklava during the Crimean War. A visit to the institution is possible as part of an excursion group.

6. Monument to Lesya Ukrainka

Writer Lesya Ukrainka visited Balaklava twice - in her early youth with her parents and in adulthood with her husband. On their last visit, the couple lived in the city for two months in a house on the Nazukin embankment. In 2004, in honor of the poetess, central square a monument was erected. It is made in the form of a half-figure mounted on a pedestal (initially the sculptor planned to sculpt a bust, but during the work he became very carried away).

7. Monument to Kuprin

A.I. Kuprin lived in Balaklava in 1904 - 1906, where he was caught by the First Russian Revolution. The writer was so shocked by what was happening that he wrote an essay “Events in Sevastopol”, published in a St. Petersburg newspaper. Because of this material, he was forced to leave Balaklava. A monument in his honor decorated the city embankment in 2009. The sculpture depicts the writer leaning against the fence and thoughtfully looking into the distance.

8. South and North forts

Defensive structures of the early 20th century, which were erected to protect the Sevastopol fortress from the south. The fortifications were a system of ditches, roads, utility networks and concrete structures carved into the rock, where it was possible to reliably hide and store ammunition. It was also planned to install artillery pieces, but due to the October Revolution, work stopped.

9. Barrel of Death

On the territory of the Southern Fort there is a very strange object - an iron “barrel” suspended over an abyss. At one time, it played the role of an observation post and was equipped with optical instruments. In the 1960s, a legend spread that the Germans threw prisoners of war into the sea from this structure during the Great Patriotic War, so it became known as the “barrel of death.”

10. Object 100

A secret underground battery from the 1950s that was designed to destroy naval targets. After the collapse of the USSR, all structures containing non-ferrous metal were dismantled, and the object itself was mothballed. It aroused interest only among those who liked to wander through abandoned concrete labyrinths. In 2016, a message appeared that the military was going to restore the complex, so its further fate is unknown.

11. 19th gun battery

Construction of the battery began in 1914 under the Tsar, but the work was completed during the Soviet period. It was equipped with powerful weapons that were supposed to hit enemy ships from a distance of 20 km, but in 1941 the battery was unable to protect Sevastopol from the German army. After 1991 there was no need for it. Today, only the concrete skeleton of the object remains, since all metal structures were removed.

12. Chorgunsky aqueduct bridge

The aqueduct is part of the water supply system of the mid-19th century. It was built in imitation of the ancient style from Inkerman stone and today looks as if it was actually built by the ancient Romans. The water pipeline was not destined to last long - it was destroyed during the Crimean War. After the end of hostilities, they decided not to restore it. The Chorgun aqueduct bridge is the best preserved part of the system.

13. Kadykovsky quarry

Previously, limestone was mined in the quarry. After the rock reserves were exhausted, the pit was abandoned and gradually filled with water. From the outside it looks like a crater extinct volcano with a lake at the bottom and stepped walls of red rock. You can go down along a spiral road, but you need to move very carefully, as from time to time the unsteady slopes collapse.

14. Temple of the Twelve Apostles

The church was originally built by the Genoese in the middle of the 14th century, but this building has not reached us. What tourists can see today is a building from 1794, reconstructed in 1875 after the Crimean War. Until the mid-20th century, the temple was used for its intended purpose; in the 1990s it was re-consecrated. The relics of St. Basil and Sergius of Radonezh are kept inside. Architecturally, the building is a cross-domed structure made of limestone, decorated with columns of the Doric order.

15. St. George Monastery

An Orthodox monastery located near Cape Fiolent on the Black Sea coast. According to legend, it was founded in the 9th century by Greek migrant sailors who were struck by a sudden storm off the coast of Crimea, but thanks to the prayers of St. They managed to survive George. The first written evidence of the existence of the monastery dates back to the 16th century. The monastery flourished in the Middle Ages and during the Crimean Khanate, but suffered serious damage during the Soviet era. Reopening happened in 1994.

16. St. George's Rock and Jasper Beach

St. George's Rock is a small cliff in the sea, located 140 meters from the shore. It was on this rock that St. appeared to Greek sailors in distress. Georgy. IN late XIX century, a marble cross was installed on the stone, which Soviet time removed (a new one was installed in 1991). The rock is clearly visible from Jasper Beach - one of best zones for swimming in Crimea. This place is distinguished by picturesque landscapes and clear water.

17. Vasili Beach

The beach is located next to Vasilyevskaya Balka. Its territory is fenced on all sides by almost sheer cliffs 150 meters high. Vasili is considered one of the best areas of the coast in the vicinity of Sevastopol, intended for swimming. It features clear water and stunning views. For the convenience of tourists, some infrastructure has been organized - there are canopies and sun loungers.

18. Silver and Gold beaches

Silver or Near Beach is a 15-minute drive from Balaclava by sea. If you get there on foot, you need to cover 4 km through mountainous terrain. To get to Golden Beach you will have to swim 25–30 minutes or walk 6 km. Both sections of the coast are very picturesque, and swimming there is a pleasure. To get to the beaches, you need to take a boat on the Nazukina embankment.

19. Cape Fiolent

Today Cape Fiolent is part of the city limits of Sevastopol, but once upon a time it was an untouched place where one could find solitude. This area is considered one of the most beautiful in Western Crimea, although the chaotic buildings slightly spoil the view and do not allow you to fully enjoy the restless surface of the sea and the charm of the steep cliffs that stretch for many kilometers on both sides.

20. Cape Aya

Cape Aya is located on the territory of the same name landscape reserve in which they grow rare species plants and live animals listed in the Red Book. The climate in this natural area is similar to the Mediterranean. The Ayazma tract stretches from the cape; at the top there is a giant funnel filled with multi-colored boulders; at the base there are small grottoes with lapis lazuli-colored water.

Balaklava is a picturesque area a few kilometers south of the center of Sevastopol. Even if you plan to spend your vacation in another area of ​​the main port city of Crimea, you should definitely come here for at least a couple of hours. Balaklava is a nice resort, popular among tourists in the summer - there are many picturesque beaches in its surroundings, which can be reached by boat. After enjoying the sea and sun, you can spend a little time rich history of these places - go up to the Genoese fortress and go down into the adits of the former secret naval base. At the end of your acquaintance with the town, we recommend stopping by one of the local restaurants and tasting dishes from 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 helmet-hat is called a “balaclava,” which is bought en masse by tourists as a souvenir.

The decoration of the city is Balaklava Bay, located between high mountains. It is connected to the sea by a narrow, winding strait of 1.5 km, and since at the entrance to the bay the rocky coast makes several turns, from the side open sea The harbor is not visible at all. Here, during the Crimean War, a beautiful embankment was built, which was originally called the English embankment, and today - the embankment named after. Nazukin, in honor of the hero of the civil war.

How to get to Balaklava

Balaklava is one of the most remote areas 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 Sevastopol - Balaklava, buses depart from the bus station located in the city center, you will be there in 30-40 minutes. During the summer months this destination is especially popular, so the chance of leaving is slim. Fortunately, there is another way, however, you will have to make a transfer, due to which the journey will take longer.

Travel on buses and minibuses in Sevastopol costs 15 RUB (when paying with a single city card). Prices on the page are indicated as of November 2018.

First you need to get to the stop “5th km of Balaklava Highway”. There are many buses coming here from the city center - No. 14, 20a, 12, 120, 2a and others. They depart from the railway station, bus station and square. Nakhimov. Next you need to change to minibus No. 9. The stop is located a little away from the one where buses from Sevastopol arrive. There are many flights to Balaklava, so you won’t have to wait long. The stop you need, “Pl. May 1st", located near Balaklava Bay. Read how to get to Sevastopol.

The balaclava is connected directly bus service with Simferopol. Transport from the Airport bus station departs daily, although there are few flights. In summer, the demand for tickets increases, so additional flights are introduced. Tickets will cost 230 RUB and the journey will take about 2 hours. Read how to get to Simferopol.

Search for air tickets to the city of Sevastopol (the nearest airport to Balaklava)

Transport

Balaklava is a relatively small area, public transport needed only to get to the center or one of the nearby villages. The town itself can be explored on foot in a few hours. From a tourist point of view, of interest is bus No. 126 of the carrier Rubin LLC, connecting Balaklava with Inkerman, where the vintage wine factory of the same name is located. On route 119 you can get to the beaches in Omega and Kamyshovaya bays.

To get to other attractions of Sevastopol, you must first get to the “5th km of Balaklava Highway” stop, from where buses depart to most districts and suburbs.

During the summer months, sea transport becomes especially important - it connects the city with many picturesque beaches. Getting to them by land is not so easy - the path runs through the mountains. Agree, a 20-minute boat ride is much more pleasant than an hour-long climb in the sun. Today, city boats run between the pier in Balaklava Bay and the beaches of Vasili, Yashmovy, Silver and Zolotoy. Depending on the distance, a one-way ticket will cost 150-250 RUB.

You can also get to the beaches by private yawls - small motor boats. The fare costs about the same, but they depart more often. In addition, official transport stops running quite early, and then the skiff becomes the only way to return to the bay.

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Balaklava beaches

Picturesque beaches are one of the main attractions, attracting thousands of tourists to this bay year after year. In its vicinity there are probably more places for swimming than in the whole 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 “Pl. May 1st." Infrastructure: benches and sunshades, no equipment rental. Vacationers sit on towels, directly on the concrete surface. There are stone steps leading to the water, which is not very convenient for bathing children.

There are 2 more beaches 4 km from the center, which are easily accessible on foot. “Marble” and “Matrossky” are better equipped than “Gorodsky” - there are rentals of sunbeds, umbrellas and rescue towers. Concrete platforms ending in a steep iron staircase lead to the water at Matrossky. The sand and pebble beach “Marble” with a gentle slope is quite suitable for families with small children.

Many beaches are located on the shores on both sides of the entrance to Balaklava Bay. The most famous of them are “Golden” (“Far”), “Silver” (“Near”), “Vasili” (in Vasilyeva Balka) and “Yashmovy”. 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-groomed and equipped - cafes, lifeguard towers, rental points for umbrellas and sunbeds.

At Yashmovoy you can ride a jet ski or a banana boat, and for scuba diving enthusiasts it is better to go to Zolotoy - there is a diving club there. Dives are also carried out in other parts of the coast - undersea world in these places it is very interesting, and thanks to the crystal clear water it can be seen in great detail.

Treatment in Balaclava

The balaclava attracts not only devotees beach holiday, 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 entire body. The bay is surrounded on all sides by rocks. Walking tour on hilly terrain will strengthen the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems.

Holidays in this area are especially useful for people with respiratory diseases. In addition, it is worth coming here with children if they often catch all kinds of viruses and infections - the maritime climate will help strengthen the immune system.

There are also health resorts in Balaklava that offer their guests a whole range of medical procedures. They are equipped with gyms, playgrounds, swimming pools and tennis courts. Wellness services include sauna, massage and physical therapy.

Maps of Balaklava

Diving in Balaclava

Balaklava has everything for diving lovers - a rich underwater world, clean transparent water, beautiful rocks and interesting objects. In the vicinity of the bay there is a large selection of dive sites - Cape Aya, the beaches of Batiliman, Fiolent, Zolotoy, etc.

You should make a choice in favor of a particular dive area based on what you want to see.

And in the depths near Balaklava there is something to see - seascapes formed from fragments of rocks and seething underwater life - algae and sea anemones, schools of colorful fish, several varieties of crabs. Another feature of the underwater terrain is numerous crevices, caves and grottoes. Wreck divers will also be pleased - Italian, French, Russian and German ships from the Crimean and World War II, as well as fragments of ancient ceramics and other objects are generously scattered along the seabed.

Anyone can go diving in Balaklava - most clubs offer special test dives with an instructor for beginners. No training required, instructions provided. All the fun, including equipment rental, will cost 2650-3500 RUB. For certified experienced divers, the choice of dive areas is larger, and the price is lower - from 1200 RUB. It includes the services of a guide and equipment - a cylinder and a weight belt.

Hotels in Balaklava

Due to the particular popularity of the resort among tourists, in small Balaklava the choice of accommodation options is quite large - hotels, guest houses and apartments. With budget housing, however, things are not very good. There is only one hostel here, and that one has 3 shared rooms. But they are quite well equipped - satellite TV, air conditioning and free wifi. And the location is good - just a 5-minute walk from the Central Embankment. Bed in shared room will cost 700 RUB per night.

Most hotels are concentrated in the center, but there are also options on the outskirts. However, this does not mean that you will be able to save a lot on accommodation. Prices for a room in a three-star hotel on the shore - from 2500 RUB.

IN central region 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 fairly high cost of accommodation - from 4000 RUB per night.

What to bring

You won’t have to look for souvenir shops and shops in Balaklava for long. Most of them are concentrated on the Nazukin embankment. One of the main symbols of the city is the hats of the same name.

They owe their name to heat-loving English soldiers who wore them during the Crimean War to protect them from severe frosts.

Other traditional Balaklava souvenirs are essential oils and teas made from local medicinal herbs. Also popular among tourists are products made of wood and ceramics - kitchen utensils, jewelry and magnets. Since this area is famous for its beautiful mountain and seascapes, they can be found here in any form - on magnets and plates, bags, T-shirts and towels, photographs and canvases.

Balaklava is home to one of Inkerman’s two branded wine stores, so people often bring a bottle of “Inkerman’s Legend” or “Crimean Riviera” as a souvenir. Not far from it is the store of the Zolotaya Balka champagne wine factory.

The range of prices for souvenirs is quite large - from 100 RUB for a magnet or keychain to several thousand for an oil painting. As for shopping, it’s definitely not worth going to Balaklava for it - there are no large shopping centers or brand boutiques here.

Cafes and restaurants in Balaklava

Despite the small size of Balaklava, its streets have many cafes, bars and restaurants. Back in the 19th century, these places were famous for their hospitality and exquisite cuisine. By the way, most of the restaurants in modern Balaklava are concentrated on the Nazukin embankment, in buildings that have survived from those times.

Seafood dishes are considered the hallmark of restaurants. You will find a fish menu in almost every establishment, and most of the main dishes and snacks are prepared from the freshest, recently caught fish. Those who want to try the full variety of local cuisine should visit one of the restaurants on the Central Embankment. Prices, however, can be steep - the average bill sometimes reaches 3,000 RUB.

Those who want to save money are better off going to a cafe, further away from the center. There you can find a pretty good kitchen and have breakfast for 300-400 RUB, and even less in the canteens. The golden mean is cafes and bars with a varied and tasty fish menu, but a rather simple interior. The average bill there is from 1000 RUB. For those who prefer Italian or Japanese cuisine, Balaklava has a pizzeria and a sushi bar.

Entertainment and attractions of Balaklava

Despite the fact that Balaklava gained fame as a resort back in the 19th century, it was inaccessible to our contemporaries until the collapse of the USSR. In the mid-20th century, the Soviet authorities established an underground factory here to repair and equip submarines. The object was secret, and Balaclava was classified along with it.

Today the base has been replaced by the Naval Museum Complex - one of the main historical attractions of the city. Its exhibition is located there, in the depths of Mount Tavros. Guests are invited to visit walking tour or take a boat trip along the shipping canal.

The naval base in the bay was secret, and Balaklava was classified along with it.

However, the secret plant dates back to relatively recent history, but in Balaklava monuments of much earlier events have been preserved. One of them is the ruins of the Genoese fortress Cembalo, once proud and impregnable. Today, all that remains of its former grandeur are several dilapidated towers and fragments of the fortress walls.

Chembalo stands on Mount Krepostnaya, and the path to it cannot be called easy. However, it is worth it - the ancient stones preserve the memory of past battles, and the steep cliff that once reliably protected the Genoese from enemies is literally breathtaking. In addition, from there there is a wonderful view of the mountains and Balaklava Bay.

A little further from the embankment, on the street. Rubtsova, is the oldest in Crimea Orthodox church- Church of the Twelve Apostles. It was built in the mid-14th century by the Genoese. The building has undergone several alterations and reconstructions; the appearance 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 Basil and St. Venerable Sergius of Radonezh.

Not far from the bay, near the Fiolent metro station, there is another religious attraction - St. George's Monastery. According to legend, it was founded back in the 9th century. The monastery is famous for its long staircase of 800 steps leading to the picturesque Jasper beach.

The holiday season begins in May and lasts until mid-September. Summer in Balaklava is hot and dry, precipitation is rare but very abundant. The best time to relax is at the end of August - beginning of September. By this time, the air temperature drops to a comfortable level, and the water remains warm.

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