Bakhchysarai

Bakhchysarai, tucked away in a pretty valley in the interior of the peninsula, is the cultural and historical heart of the Crimean Tatars. The city's name translates to "Garden Palace." From the 16th to the late 18th century, it was the capital of the powerful Crimean Khanate. The absolute highlight is the Hansaray, the Khan's Palace, which is the only surviving example of Crimean Tatar palace architecture in the world. Its intricate wood carvings, harem chambers, and the famous Fountain of Tears, which inspired a poem by Pushkin, transport visitors to an Oriental past. The old town of Bakhchysarai features narrow winding streets, traditional Tatar houses with overhanging roofs, and small cafes serving authentic Tatar coffee and chebureki (stuffed pastries). The climate in the valley is sheltered and pleasant; in spring, the orchards that give the city its name burst into bloom, while summers are hot and dry. This makes the city a good destination for cultural tourists looking for a retreat from the crowded coastal resorts. The surroundings of the city are equally spectacular. The steep limestone cliffs of the valley harbor historic cave cities such as the Byzantine Chufut-Kale, an abandoned fortress settlement perched on a plateau. Equally fascinating is the Orthodox Uspensky (Dormition) Cave Monastery, carved directly into the vertical rock face, which remains an important pilgrimage site. Bakhchysarai thus features an unparalleled blend of Oriental architecture, medieval history, and dramatic mountain landscapes.

Nearby cities

Odesa

This Black Sea port city is famous for its humor, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and diverse architecture.

Dnipro

Dnipro is a major industrial and business hub on the Dnieper River.

Zaporizhzhia

This city on the Dnieper River is a major industrial center with deep historical ties to the Zaporozhian Cossacks.

Kryvyi Rih

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Sevastopol

Sevastopol is a strategically vital port on the Crimean Peninsula and the primary base of the Black Sea Fleet.

Mykolaiv

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Simferopol

Simferopol is the administrative center of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and a major transportation hub.

Kamianske

Kamianske is a prominent industrial center on the Dnieper River, specializing in metallurgy and chemicals.

Kropyvnytskyi

Kropyvnytskyi is located in central Ukraine and is named after the famous playwright Marko Kropyvnytskyi.

Kerch

Kerch is located at the eastern tip of the Crimean Peninsula on the Kerch Strait.

Melitopol

Melitopol is located in southern Ukraine along the Molochna River and is known as the 'Gateway to Crimea'.

Малий Фонтан

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Arcadia

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Velyky fontan

Velyky Fontan is a renowned coastal neighborhood in Odesa, famous for its sandy beaches and vibrant Black Sea resort atmosphere.

Yevpatoria

Yevpatoria is an ancient port and a premier health resort on the western coast of Crimea.

History & landmarks

Khortytsia

The largest island on the Dnieper River, famous as the historic stronghold of the Zaporizhzhian Cossacks.