The Genoese fortress, built in Crimean Sudak in the years 1371-1469 is a magnificent and picturesque historical monument. Walking through the territory of the fortress, which is approximately 30 hectares, you seem to be transported in time and fully able to feel the spirit of a long time gone by, and also marvel at the skill and mind of people who once lived here. Let's get acquainted with the history of the Genoese fortress in the Crimea and find out what it is so famous for.
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Where is the Genoese fortress?
The Genoese fortress was built on a very successful and carefully chosen place - the Fortress Mountain, which, thanks to its characteristics and location, made the building erected on it almost impregnable. Almost from all sides the fortress is surrounded by natural fences: steep mountains and obstruction, and where there was no natural protection, the ancient inhabitants dug an artificial ditch that also served as a good defense.
Between the two tiers of defense there once was a city that was perfectly guarded against attacks from all sides: walls, towers and barracks - these are the main defenders of the inhabitants. Unfortunately, now we can not see all those unique buildings - time and wars have not spared them, but what remains is more than enough for us and for our children.
A little from the history of the former Genoese fortress
On the territory of the fortress there is a temple with a huge and rich history. In the beginning, this building was erected as a mosque for worshiping Islam of the Turks, later it became an Orthodox Christian church. Some time later, the hands of the Genoese reached the building, and they decided to remodel the building to a place where Catholics could talk to God. But, on this reincarnation of the sacred places did not end. After the conquest by the Turks, the structure again became an Islamic mosque, and then it was re-profiled when the Crimea became part of Russia, and again this building became a church for Orthodox residents.
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Towers, which we mentioned at the beginning, but there were 14 of them, are named after the consuls, during whose reign they were built. The names of these people can be seen on the plates, still stored in some preserved buildings of this serf complex.
What will we see when we visit the Genoese fortress?
It is customary to start your excursion from the main gate and move east - so it will be possible to gradually and imperceptibly move in time. Naturally, the main thing that will catch sight of tourists - the tower, which give an opportunity to admire the ancient architecture. After the towers, be sure to pay attention to the mosque, which we already talked about: quaint ruins, as well as exotic buildings will add color to what they saw.
When you get used to the situation a little, you can visit the consular castle, which combines a real complex of buildings, which, by the way, is considered the most preserved. On the territory of the castle you can see a real ancient courtyard, the walls of which have preserved the memory of the loopholes through which the defenders of the arrow were leading. Walking along the ancient stone staircase, you can get inside the main consular tower. There you will be able to carefully inspect all the rooms, among which are: loophole, stone water tank and altar room.
But lovers of performances and masquerades should know that the most successful time for visiting the tower is August. At the end of summer, every year, on the territory of the Genoese fortress there is a bright and fascinating festival of knights, during which you will get to know the history of the tower, and you will see the same knight battles that all the boys dream of.
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