Cave city Chufut Kale where is located. The cave city of Chufut-Kale - past and present

The fortified city of Chufut-Kale was built in the 6th century (according to other sources in the 9th), located 2.5 km from Bakhchisarai in a quiet secluded place, lost in the forest.
The uniqueness of this building is that, unlike other fortresses, such as the Genoese one, Chufut-Kale did not stand menacingly in front of everyone, instilling fear in enemies. Chufut-Kale so reliably hid its inhabitants in the stone mass that the enemy, approaching it, either found himself in sight in front of impregnable rocks and fell under the blows of its defenders, or disappeared into the traps of labyrinths when trying to get inside the cave city.

In the 16th century, the population of the fortified city was about 4 thousand people and consisted mainly of Alans and Goths.

In its history, Chufut-Kale was never taken by storm and escaped capture and destruction from nomad raids, unlike other fortress cities of Crimea.

Despite this, the fortress changed many owners, who constantly completed and improved it. IN different time the city belonged to the Alans, the Khazars, the Golden Horde, the Crimean Tatars and, finally, Russia. The practical impregnability of the city provided him with the longest life on the peninsula: from the 6th century to the 19th century. In general, Chufut-Kale is a real cave city with complex communication systems.

The number of caves is more than one and a half hundred, but no one knows the exact number. The caves pass one into another, often intersecting at different levels. There are living caves, there are for livestock and storage of various supplies.

Above, on the plateau, another city was built, in which stone streets with deep ruts carved from wagons and various limestone buildings were well preserved. Here we see houses with cellars, a mausoleum, fortifications. All together it was an excellently fortified complex, impregnable for enemies.

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In this city, as in a historical focus, various cultures and civilizations intertwined. During the period of the Tatar Khanate, the city was inhabited by Karaites, a people professing Judaism. Therefore, the city itself was called "Chufut-Kale", which means "Jewish city". This name came into use and is mentioned in literary sources from the end of the 19th century.

Previously, the cave city was called "Kyrk-Yerk", which in Russian sounds like "Forty Brothers". It should be noted another ode to a small nationality that inhabited the fortress - the Krymchaks, whose religion was Orthodox Judaism. After the 17th c. the city of Bakhchisarai was built with a beautiful khan's palace, Hadji-Girey, the first Crimean Khan, leaves Chufut-Kale and never returns there. And Karaites continue to live in the city until 1852, when she disappeared from the wells fresh water, which forced them to move to Bakhchisaray, Simferopol, Evpatoria.

The well-preserved city continues to attract tourists, striking their imagination with the primordial beauty of the fortress, building skills and hard work of the people who inhabited it. Man created together with nature unique creation, full of mysteries and secrets, of which even now legends are formed.

Chufut-Kale on the map of Crimea:

How to get to the cave city.

If you are moving around the Crimea not on own car, from the nearest cities, Yalta, Evpatoria and Sevastopol, you can get to the fortress only through Bakhchisarai.

These cities are connected to Bakhchisarai by bus service.
The bus to Chufut-Kale departs from railway station. Route number 2. You need to get off at the stop "Starolesye" and walk another 1.5 kilometers.

The distance to the cave city from Bakhchisaray is 4.7 kilometers, from Sevastopol - 58.
For those who travel to the fortress by car with a navigator, GPS coordinates: 44.741028, 33.924467

Opening hours:

From October to April, the facilities are available for visiting from Thursday to Monday from 9.00 to 19.00
From May to September, the work schedule is different: Wednesday-Monday from 9.00 to 19.00

In Crimea, there are many places that keep the history of mankind almost in its original form. One of such popular attractions among tourists is the Chufut-Kale fortress - ancient city, founded in ancient times by the Byzantine Empire. From Justinian to Hadji Giray - a chronicle of the construction of Bakhchisarai.

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Unfortunately, to this day, the totality of buildings has survived for the most part in the form of ruins, but what remains may well tell its own legend. According to some sources, the name of the Chufut-Kale fortress is translated as "Jewish", which makes it clear its purpose, according to others - "double".

Byzantine border troops;

Crimean Tatars;

Mongols of the Golden Horde as invaders;

The first independent Crimean Khan.

All these rearrangements and “moves” took place until the beginning of the 19th century, when the places fell into disrepair, and out of the many inhabitants, only the family of the caretaker of the cultural object remained here. former city became an ordinary "museum" exhibit, blown by the winds and scorched by the Crimean sun.

City - fortress Chufut-Kale in Crimea

Gates and defensive walls;

Mosques and temples;

Numerous caves;

School, market and estates;

Mausoleums and wells.

All this, in varying degrees of preservation, accompanied by excellent stories (not dry facts) will allow a tourist who comes to the cave city of Chufut-Kale in Bakhchisarai to plunge not only into the world of antiquity in general, but also into the culture of different peoples and eras. And if the weather favors visitors, then in the silence of local caves you can hear the intricate melodies of a stringed instrument. On a nice warm day, a local musician comes here to play ancient, medieval pieces.

Crimea attracts tourists not only by its beaches

Wandering through the streets of an ancient city, sitting in the shade of a building that has survived through the centuries and gives a piece of the past - this will not work. shopping mall or water attraction. Listening, stopping for a moment, you can hear the monotonous conversation of people bringing their goods to the local market, in the noise of the wind you can distinguish the singing of the Mongolian bowstring or a call for defense. The appropriate atmosphere for the visit will be given by a guide who tells stories passed down through generations local residents. Every person who prefers to relax here should go to the ancient city.

Modern people spend more and more time in enclosed spaces and, going somewhere on vacation, they try to get as much impressions as possible in a short period of vacation. Visiting an ancient settlement, hearing fascinating stories about a particular building is quite an interesting pastime.
We offer to see interesting video about the mysterious settlement of Chufut-Kale:

If you are relaxing in the Bakhchisaray area, be sure to visit the cave city of Chufut Kale: you will not only take amazing photos, but also expand your horizons. You will find out what peoples lived on the territory of the peninsula long before you were born, get imbued with the culture of ancient tribes, plunge into the era of great battles, sieges of fortresses and searches for treasures. This place is important historical monument and one of the most popular tourist locations.

The history of the cave city of Chufut-Kale in Crimea

It would be more correct to call it a complex. In addition to the main historical object, tourists will see the ancient fortress. Artificial caves appeared in the early Middle Ages. At first they bore the name Kyrk-Er. In 1299, they were captured by Nogai, a temnik of the Golden Horde. A small feudal principality gradually grew up around the fortress. IN VI-V centuries it expands to the east of the defensive medieval wall. New settlements were left without protection. To remedy the situation, the inhabitants of the city erected another wall - the outer one.

The well-known Arab historian and geographer Abu Al-Fida spoke of the city VII as a refuge for the Alans, an Iranian-speaking nomadic people of Scythian-Sarmatian origin. The Crimean rulers gave the Jews permission to live in the fortress. At this time it appears modern name. From Karaim it is translated as "Jewish fortress". Different peoples lived together in the city: Karaites, Greeks, Armenians, Crimean Tatars. The lands around were not suitable for agriculture, so the main occupation of the population was trade. Local craftsmen exchanged their products for necessary goods. By the middle of the ninth century the city was deserted.

Excursion to Chufut Kale: route description, photo and video

From the Assumption Monastery the road goes uphill. When you overcome the rise, you will find yourself in front of the outer walls. This is not a gate. Archers used to hide in the outer defensive caves. On the right you will see a structure resembling an open greenhouse.

Well "Tik Kuyu"

This is an ancient hydraulic structure. Its depth is 45 m. Archaeologists have been looking for this place for 10 years. Luck came in 1998. It took 3 years to complete the clearing: during this time, 2500 tons of earth and stone were removed. The earthen mass conserved the historical monument in the form it was originally. By 2001 it was open to the public.

During the excavations, a treasure of the 8th-64th centuries was found. The researchers dug up a pot full of gold and silver coins. This is the most expensive find in the history of Europe. The cost of some elements reached tens of thousands of dollars. The golden Egyptian dinar especially pleased the lovers of antiquity. In the territory post-Soviet space it was found for the first time. At the same time, the one who found the treasure did not receive 25% from the state. Archaeologists cannot claim them: they are considered to be doing their job. The treasure has been studied only partially: some of the coins are in the museum of Simferopol.

The entrance to the siege well is blocked by a heavy iron door; it will not work to get inside without a guide.

On the territory of Crimea 12 cave cities. All of them had similar wells. They provided people with water during the siege. The guides say that once the cave cities were almost perfect military fortifications. They delayed any invader for a long time, but they also had a weak point. The most cunning raiders blocked the access of moisture to the dungeons, and the inhabitants surrendered because of the thirst that tormented them.

"Tiu Kuyu" - the basement of the tower. The approximate time of its construction is VI-VII centuries. This is Byzantine masonry. The age of the well is counted from the beginning of our era. The recesses located on the wall in a semicircle indicate that once there was a massive shield or gate here.

Everyone can go down to the bottom along a spiral staircase of one hundred and twenty meters. It is called Altyn-Merdven. The word translates as "golden". Perhaps the ancient peoples called it that because in difficult times, every drop of water is valued more than gold. Byzantine signs carved on the walls tell us that the well was used for a very long time.

Going down, you will see the tank itself. It is filled with rain water. It was slightly modernized: so that the flow would not erode the steps, a pipe was laid. The imprint of a fish has been preserved on the vault. Its age is about 75 million years. The water treatment room is located below.

Southern small secret gate

If you want to find the entrance to Chufut Kale, look at the wall opposite the outer defensive caves. Especially for tourists, a hint was hung on it - a yellow sign-pointer. The entrance cannot be seen from afar. You will realize that he is there only when you come close. This is another way of medieval protection. At that time, it was only possible to knock out the gate with a battering ram. To do this, a good run was needed.

Passage inside is paid: each person is given a personal card. He shows it to the guide, but does not give it back. To get to the city, you need to overcome a solid section of the road. You will come to a narrow stone corridor. Steep climb and turn.

At a time when Chufut Kale needed protection, this place helped to hold back the onslaught of the enemy. It was almost impossible to ram the gate in a narrow area. Four yards of caverns, each with archers waiting in the wings. As soon as the invaders came close to the walls, pre-prepared logs, cobblestones, bull bladders filled with sand fell on top of them, boiling liquid poured. Panic arose: the survivors had no escape routes, other wars pressed in from behind. Those who managed to get out were shot by archers.

Southern defensive wall

It divides the cave complex into two parts. Rock cuttings say that once it was 20 cm higher and ran along the edge of the cliff. Scientists suggest that 32 underground rooms served as a refuge for the monks. The monastery arose in the 12th century and existed until the formation of the Crimean Khanate. Then it was given over to utility rooms.

On the lower tier, you will notice recesses and niches. These are traces of table supports. There was a refectory here. Later, cattle were driven there.

People lived in two-story stone houses, not in caves. They assembled and disassembled them themselves. Old stones served as building material for new buildings, so the living quarters were not preserved. But there was a place that was never understood.

Kenassky courtyard

This is an ancient shrine - the prayer house of the Karaites. Two temples of the 14th and 18th centuries have been preserved on the territory. Once upon a time, no woman had the right to enter here. They carried water and left it in front of the entrance. Men performed ablution, took off their shoes and entered the temple barefoot. Near the entrance was the most honorable place. Old people, widowers, respected people prayed here. Behind the barrier, all other inhabitants turned to God, but only males. For women, a separate area was allocated - the women's courtyard.

There is a road to the east. Traffic is still moving along it. Once, along this path, Catherine the Great entered the fortress during her famous journey across the Crimea. After her, the cave city was visited by all the rulers.

Chufut Kale on the map of Crimea: where is it, how to get to Bakhchisaray by car

The cultural monument belongs to the Bakhchisaray State Historical and Cultural Reserve. In the city center, take bus number 2 and ask to stop at Staroselye. From here you have to walk. We recommend bringing a map or navigator with you, but if this is not possible, you can manage without them. There are many signs around, they will constantly meet on the way. Based on them, you can easily get to the place.

By car, this segment of the journey from Bakhchisaray to artificial caves will take you 10 minutes. If you go from Sevastopol, spend about an hour. The attraction is located 55 km from the city.
We can talk about the merits of Chufut Kale for a long time, but photos and videos will make it better. You have already appreciated our photo selection, and now it's time to watch the video:

- (in Russian the Zhidovsky city, among the Karaites Kirk er) the remains of the city and the ancient fortress in the Tauride province., Simferopol., in 2 ver. from the city of Bakhchisaray, at an altitude of 1,835 feet, on the top of a separate rock. the time of foundation is unknown, but, obviously, the city ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

CHUFUT KALE, remnants medieval city(5th-19th centuries) in the Crimea, near modern Bakhchisaray. Defensive walls, residential and utility buildings (ground and cave), a mosque, Karaite kenasses (temples) ... Modern Encyclopedia

Remains of a medieval city (founded in the 5th and 6th centuries) in the Crimea, near present-day Bakhchisaray. Defensive walls, gates, residential and utility buildings (ground and cave), a mosque, Karaite kenasses (temples). With the growth of Bakhchisarai (founded in the beginning ... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Chufutkale, a medieval cave city fortress in the vicinity of Bakhchisarai (Crimean region). Founded, presumably, in the 5th-6th centuries; the defensive (so-called middle) wall of the 10th century has been preserved. After the Mongol-Tatar invasion (13th century) Ch.K. ... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Chufut-Kale- from the Crimean Tatar "Jewish (or Jewish) fortress", a cave city near Bakhchisarai, the first capital of the Crimean Khanate. On a high plateau with steep slopes 3.5 km east of Bakhchisarai, a fortified ... ... Toponymic Dictionary Crimea

Remains of a medieval city (founded in the 5th or 6th centuries) in the Crimea, near modern Bakhchisaray. Defensive walls, gates, residential and utility buildings (ground and cave), a mosque, Karaite kenasses (temples). With the growth of Bakhchisaray (founded in ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Chufut-Kale- Spnkt. Čufùt Kalė Ap Chufut Kale/Chufut Kale L sen. mst. P Ukrainoje …

Chufut-Kale- Sp Čufùt Kalė nkt. Ap Chufut Kale/Chufut Kale L sen. mst. P Ukrainoje … Pasaulio vietovardziai. Internetinė duomenų bazė

- (in Russian the Zhidovsky city, among the Karaites Kirk er) the remains of the city and the ancient fortress of the Tauride province, Simferopol district, 2 versts from the city of Bakhchisarai, at an altitude of 1835 feet, on top of a separate rock. The time of foundation is unknown, but, ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

Books

• Karaim Abraham Firkovich: Jewish Manuscripts. Travel history. 2-ezd, Vikhnovich L.V. The book is dedicated to the life and work of one of the most interesting characters of the last century - the Karaite collector of ancient books and manuscripts on the history of the Jews and Karaites Abraham Firkovich. A lot of…
• In the mountainous Crimea, T. M. Fadeeva. We all love to travel, but sometimes we get tired of the monotony of all kinds of popular tours and "burning" vouchers. Sometimes you want something special, maybe even exclusive. This book…

Chufut-Kale is one of the most famous and most visited "cave cities" of Crimea. It is located on a plateau 558 m above sea level on the outskirts of the city of Bakhchisaray. total area settlements 46 hectares. Research recent years suggest that the fortress was built at the end of the 6th-7th centuries. and belonged to the Gotoalans - federates of the Byzantine Empire. Some scholars are inclined to a different version of the origin of the settlement at a later time in the 9th-10th centuries. and X-XI centuries, and connect it with the settlement of Fulla.

The original name of the settlement is unknown. Written sources of XIII-XVI call it Kyrk-Er or Kyrk-Or, which means "forty fortifications" in Turkic. Other sources from different times give us other names - Gevher Kermen, Butmay, Topra-kala. The name of the city of Chufut-Kale appeared then, only Karaites remained here.

In the XV century. during the formation of the Crimean Khanate, Chufut-Kale becomes its first capital. The first Crimean khans, Haji-Gerai and Mengli-Gerai, settled here. At the beginning of the XVI century. Bakhchisaray is being built and the khan with his retinue moves there, followed by almost all the Muslims. After the departure of the Muslims, the fortress continued to be used by the khans for a long time as a warehouse of weapons and a refuge in case of civil strife. The Karaite community lived here, and until 1778, a small Armenian community.

The internal structure of kenas is in many ways similar to the structure of synagogues and its roots go back to the biblical Jerusalem temple. It is believed that the large kenasa was built in the 14th century, and the small one in the 18th century. Elders of the Karaite society gathered here. IN great hall Shulkhan (a place for parishioners) was prayed by all men, women were allowed to pray on the second floor.

The most ancient architectural monument settlements - the middle defensive wall. Considering her architectural features, fortification can be presumably dated to the 6th-7th centuries. Near the Middle Wall is the mausoleum of Dzhanyke-Khanym. Octagonal centric building with a tiled roof.

Not far from the gates of the Middle defensive wall there is a mosque, which was built in 1346, during the reign of the Golden Horde Khan Dzhanibek. And in 1455 it was thoroughly reconstructed by the first Crimean Khan Hadji-Gerai, making it a cathedral.

Behind the Middle defensive wall was New town, which ends with another wall - the Eastern Defensive. The territory of the New, as well as the Old City, was densely built up in ancient times. There are three streets in the Old Town (from south to north) - Kenasskaya, Srednyaya and Burunchakskaya. The streets were laid on the very surface of the rock. Along their edges are pavements made of stone for pedestrians. The yards were closed off from prying eyes by a high stone fence. The houses were stone, most two-story. The second floor was wooden or adobe combined with a wooden frame. The roofs were covered with tiles. An example of such a building is the estate of the famous Karaite educator and collector of ancient manuscripts - A.S. Firkovich.