City Inkerman, attractions: cave monastery of St. Clement, medieval fortress Kalamita, Inkerman plant of vintage wines

In the south-west of the Crimea lies the ancient city of Inkerman, famous for its historical sights, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Located on the right bank of the Chernaya River, it is coveted with sunlight, and thousands of tourists hurry here every year to have a wonderful rest and get acquainted with amazing monuments that have come down from the depths of centuries.

Cave City-Fortress

The city with a rich history, which goes back to the Middle Ages, until 1991 was called Belokamensk. Inkerman, whose attractions are known throughout the vast Russia, was founded as a fortress near Sevastopol, and in the XX century it turned into a working village.

The surrounding mountains, entirely covered with quarries, attract the attention of tourists who enjoy the unusual landscapes. White limestone, used for facing buildings, has been mined here since ancient times, and a huge number of catacombs have formed in the rocks.

Ancient cave city in the Middle Ages has become a major trading port. In the VI century, a powerful fortress was built, protecting the important economic routes that led from the Crimea to Chersonesos. From this time, the countdown of the existence of Inkerman, which provokes the genuine interest of all travelers, begins.

The fortress, which was of great importance for the settlement

On the lands that had a long military history of the Crimea, there is a huge number of structures that protected local residents from attacks from outside. The ancient city of Inkerman, whose attractions can be called real treasures of the Crimea, was no exception. The most interesting monument of the Middle Ages is the fortress erected on the plateau of the Monastery Rock. For a long time it served as a stronghold of the petty principality Theodoro, who fought with the Genoese. The invaders burned and plundered the fortress, but the inhabitants rebuilt the defensive structure.

Turkish troops in 1475 stormed Kalamit and turned Inkerman into the largest port. Gradually the fortress was modified: walls were built in which the loopholes were built, a tower with embrasures was erected, an earthen rampart was poured. After the sixteenth century, the monumental structure that had lost its former importance came to desolation.

Ruins of walls with five towers

Today, the ruins that are visible from afar, surrounded by cliffs and a moat carved in the rock, rise above the operating monastery, of which we will tell.

In our time, the medieval fortress of Kalamita is a ruin of stone walls with five towers, almost half ruined.

The ruins of the ancient fortress seem to be covered with a romantic fleur, and the esotericists claim that it can be charged with positive energy. Many come here to gain spiritual strength and enjoy the delightful view that opens from the height of the towers.

Monastery carved into the rock

Inkerman cave monastery of St. Clement, located on a rock with a fortress, was founded in the IX century by monks who fled from Byzantium. Escaped from the persecution of the iconoclasts, they erected a complex consisting of eight cave and land temples, connected among themselves by living and household premises. In the numerous catacombs cut down in the rock, the first Christians lived.

The monastery is associated with the cult of St. Clement, a bishop from Rome, exiled to the quarry near Chersonesos and killed there. He had his own hands carved the first temple in the rock, and then, judging by the results of research by experts, about 75 churches were built in this way.

The relics of the saint were kept in an underwater cave, access to which, according to the legends, was only opened once a year. Later they were transferred to the island of Cossack. After the capture of the fortress by the Turks (in 1475), the monastery decays and only at the end of the XIX century it revives to life and receives a double name - in honor of the saint and by the name of the city.

Monastery in our days

In the days of the Soviet Union, the temple was partially destroyed after a strong earthquake, and during the Great Patriotic War in the caves there were soldiers who fought fiercely with the fascists.

Several decades ago, the gradual restoration of cell rooms and temples began, and from Kiev to the beautiful monastery, which the city of Inkerman is proud of, handed over a fragment of the relics of St. Clement.

During the great Orthodox holidays, a large number of pilgrims are sent here to cleanse themselves of their sins and receive comfort. The tunnel passing under the railroad tracks leads to the monastery, which no longer houses all who wish to pray.

Inkerman Winery

Local residents believe that the sunny Inkerman, whose sights are admired by every tourist, was chosen by the god Bacchus and gave the city fertile land. In the mountains, after the sawing of the building stone, galleries were formed, where constantly low temperature and humidity became the ideal conditions for maintaining vintage wines in oak barrels.

55 years ago the largest plant in the Crimea was established, preserving the classical technologies of winemaking. Tourists are in a hurry not only to have a wonderful rest, but also to try products of local production, which is famous all over the world for the hospitable Inkerman. Wine, made in the best traditions, often wins awards at various international competitions. A huge enterprise, which is a real underground city, has no equal throughout the world.

Excursions to the factory

For tourists, there are several cognitive excursions to the Inkerman plant. Wine, aged in underground cellars, is distinguished by a noble taste and an exquisite bouquet.

They will tell you about the history of winemaking, explain the complex production technology, get acquainted with specialists, whose painstaking work is invested in every bottle. Of course, especially liked products can be purchased at the company's store, where the entire range of the plant is presented.

Ancient Inkerman, whose sights we covered in the article, is glad to all guests. Quiet and calm city first of all will be pleasant to those who dream to have a rest from daily vanity and to get acquainted with new sights.

Here you can fully enjoy the fantastic views and feel the breath of time.