The velvet season is behind us, but now it’s great to come to Crimea to spend time getting to know its architectural heritage. Take a tour of the palaces and castles of the peninsula and be transported to the era of princesses, counts and khans.
Vorontsov Palace
The palace and park complex is located in Alupka, under the Ai-Petri mountain wall. The main staircase of the castle offers a picturesque view of the Black Sea, and the territory is divided into Upper and Lower parks.
The path to the palace, surrounded by magnolias and cypresses, begins with a slightly gloomy passage between the fortress walls. When approaching the arch, you will certainly feel as if you were in a film about the Middle Ages or found yourself in the series “Game of Thrones”. It seems that if you just get closer to the palace, the Targaryen or Lannister family will appear around the corner.
Vorontsov Palace is a set of towers, five separate buildings, 150 rooms with antique furniture, fountains, summer terraces and marble staircases. Walking through the palace courtyard, you can admire the antique statues of the Italian sculptor Giovanni Bonnani and enjoy views of the sea and Crimean villages.
Many tourists are attracted by an interesting feature of the landscape – “Alupka chaos”, which can be found in the Upper Park. “Chaos” represents massifs of natural diabase and granite stones, which seem to be scattered among the trees by the rebellious elements. In contrast to the harsh boulders, there are walking alleys with exotic Italian pine trees, along which it is so pleasant to go for a carefree walk.
Khan’s Palace
The Khan’s Palace in Bakhchisarai is one of the most visited attractions in Crimea in the summer season. In autumn and winter, the huge museum complex is empty, which means you will be able to fully enjoy your acquaintance with the traditions of Ottoman architecture. The total area of the palace territory exceeds four hectares, on which more than 20 cultural heritage sites of Russia are located, the oldest of which date back to the 16th century.
For many, the Khan’s Palace resembles a city within a city, where there are mosques, rocky streets, fountains and baths. Here you want to remember the paradise, and at every step the mysterious spirit of the East lurks.
After visiting the town, we recommend going to the cafe across the road – it is located on a hill and offers views of the minarets, facade and bright tiles of the palace. Turkish coffee and baklava will be a great addition to this trip.
Swallow’s Nest
Swallow’s Nest is a historical monument made in the style of a medieval castle. It is located on a picturesque cape near Yalta and can often be found on postcards and paintings. The Swallow’s Nest inspires local artists with its beauty and grandeur and is rightfully considered a symbol of the peninsula.
The castle sometimes hosts exhibitions, and if you’re lucky, you can get into a demonstration of paintings from the 17th to 20th centuries. However, the main spectacle in any case will be the views of the Yalta Bay and Ayu-Dag, rising from the blue waters of the sea.
Livadia Palace
The snow-white residence was built at the beginning of the 20th century for the Romanov family, and it has been perfectly preserved to this day.
On the eve of the trip, it is necessary to clarify in advance whether the complex is open to tourists, since closed meetings are still held there to this day. During the tour you will visit the main halls and rooms of the museum dedicated to the history of the residence. Exhibitions are often held here, so when you find yourself in the Livadia Palace, be prepared to attend an art night or a unique exhibition.
The most famous part of the complex is the Italian courtyard, which has more than once served as a film set for films. It’s definitely worth stopping here and taking pictures for memory.
Palace of Princess Gagarina
The mansion of the early 20th century consists of walls paved with large gray stones with narrow loophole windows and round pointed turrets. It is located in Alushta and was built in the best traditions of the Art Nouveau style with Gothic elements.
The palace is located in the middle of a park where strange trees grow, for example, strawberry and orange maklyura, or, as people say, Adam’s apple. Not far from the building there is an observation deck with views of the coast and the picturesque Cape Plaka.
Now the administration of the sanatorium is located here, so you won’t be able to get inside. But even from the outside, the palace, surrounded by cypress trees, looks so cinematic that there will be enough impressions.
Massandra Palace
Massandra Palace has a high roof with attic windows, spiral staircases in the form of free-standing towers, and an inlaid facade. Such a castle is usually imagined while reading mysterious stories and fairy tales.
The facade contains stucco, wood carvings and frescoes. You want to linger near each decorative element to capture a piece of history as a memory. When visiting the palace, you will be able to view paintings by famous Russian artists, various porcelain vases and other interior items.
Whichever palace you visit, a fascinating journey into the world of history and architecture awaits you. Don’t forget to bring postcards with your favorite views as a souvenir.
