Balaklava is a settlement on the outskirts of Sevastopol. It amazingly combines the beauty of wild nature and the heritage of the historical past. At different times, Greeks, Romans, colonists from Genoa, Turks, English and Russians found refuge here.
The first mentions of the Balaclava can be found in ancient literature. Homer, Pliny the Elder and Strabo wrote about these places. Since then, humanity has stepped far forward, and the nature of these places is still as beautiful as it was thousands of years ago.
What should tourists see when heading to Balaklava? We have prepared a small list of the main attractions.
Genoese fortress Chembalo
The ruins of the old fortress are one of the main calling cards of Balaklava. It was built over many years, but construction began in the middle of the 14th century. At that moment, representatives of the Genoese Republic once again tried to gain a foothold on these shores. The fortress was used many times for its intended purpose – to protect against attacks. Only towards the end of the 18th century with the advent of the Russian Empire did it lose its strategic importance and fell into decay.
Naval Museum Complex “Balaklava”
For lovers of military history of the 20th century, we recommend visiting this unique Cold War museum. You will be taken to the territory of top-secret facility No. 285. What is hidden behind these numbers?
The development of the project was personally controlled by Stalin, but it was implemented only after his death. Balaklava is home to the world’s only underground harbor with a submarine repair plant. This facility could accommodate from 7 to 9 submarines, as well as 3 thousand personnel. In peacetime, more than 400 specialists worked at the plant, but only four of them had access to all premises.
Just imagine – this object could withstand a direct hit from an atomic bomb. But there are some curious moments in the history of this plant. For example, every time a submarine was put in for repairs, water was released from the dock. There was a lot of fresh fish left at the bottom, which the plant employees immediately began to smoke. An easily recognizable smell penetrated the ventilation and spread throughout the area. Using it, one could easily determine the time when the repair of the next submarine began.
St. George Monastery
Not far from Balaklava there is Cape Fiolent, which is distinguished by its beauty. But travelers come here for a different reason. The St. George Monastery, whose history goes back more than 1100 years, is nestled here.
According to legend, it was founded in 891 by the Greeks, who were caught off guard by bad weather in these places. The ship almost crashed; only prayers to St. George the Victorious saved it. When the storm subsided, a cross was built on the rock in memory of this. And on the shore a monastery appeared, which has survived to this day.
The most distinguished guests were often here; The monastery was visited by five Russian emperors. Some mysterious force attracted creative people here – these stones remember Pushkin, Griboyedov, Bunin, Ostrovsky, Chekhov and many others.
Temple of the Holy Twelve Apostles
A unique architectural monument of the 18th century. In its current guise, the temple appeared before the city residents in 1794. For believers, it will be interesting that particles of the relics of Sergius of Radonezh are kept here.
