Staryi Krym

Last spring we traveled to the southeastern part of Crimean peninsula. This is a region of old Crimean capital (Staryi Krym), several ancient monasteries (Surb-Khach, Surb-Stepanos, Kyzyl-Tash), one of the most enigmatic Natural Preserve (Kara-Dag) and medieval Genoas fortress of Sudak. That all we visited for a week.
Our travel started in Staryi Krym. It is one of the oldest cities of Crimea. It was founded in the X-th century and till XV-th century it played the main role of Crimean government. Then it was called Solhat. Once Bakhchysaray became the capital of the peninsula, Stary Krym lost its strategic importance. Since that time it received nowadays name which means "Old Crimea".
We begun our travel with a visit to the ancient mosque - Uzbek's. It was built in 1314 and now part of building is ruined. But even in this condition it looks very interesting.
Another interesting historical sites in Staryi Krym is an ancient Armenian monastery Surb-Khach. It was founded in 1358 and still acts. Only in 1778-1790 and 1925-2002 years its religious life were interrupted. So, we were able to see ancient buildings, rows of khachkars (Armenian icons) and different interesting things inside.
You can see photos from that places in my photoalbums: Staryi Krym, our first steps, Surb-Khach and its interiors. Here are some of them.

Ruins of Uzbek's mosque in Staryi Krym

First climbing. In the background - Staryi Krym


Church of Surb-Khach's monastery


Entrance of Surb-Khach


Khachkars - Armenian analog of icon

to be continued

Simferopol

A few days ago we returned from a new travel. At this time our attention was payed to the southern part of our country - the Crimean Mountains, which are located on the Crimean peninsula.
As you may know, the gateway to the Crimea for most tourists is its capital - Simferopol. You can get to this city by bus, train or by air. And from there you will be offered many ways to get to any place in Crimea.
So, we arrived to Simferopol by train and had a few hours for walking in this city. We saw many interesting things in its streets, especially the beautiful architecture and metal sculptures. But the most ancient monument was archeological complex "Scythian Naples", where visitors can see ruins of Scythian settlements of 3th BC - 3th AD.
I had a photocamera, so you can see the most interesting photos in photo-albums "Simferopol" and "Scythian Naples". Here are some of them.

Tower at the railway station


Cinema "Simferopol"


View of city from the hill of Scythian Naples


Mausoleum of Silur


Dark corridors of ancient town

To be continued