1/20
The rich history of Kerch accounts for more than 3 thousand years. This makes it one of the most ancient cities in Russia.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
2/20
Today Kerch is the eastern gate of Crimea. It is here that tourists from the mainland come across the Crimean Bridge by cars, buses and trains.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
3/20
The symbol of this glorious city is the gryphon − a mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. This creature from an ancient myth stands "sentinel" over Kerch since the time of ancient Panticapaeum.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
4/20
You can see the gryphon not only on the coat of arms of the city, but also on its streets. For example, in the city center on the obelisk devoted to hero cities.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Irina Ul`eva
5/20
One of the Kerch peculiarities is that its shores are washed by two seas − the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
6/20
And Mount Mithridates stands out of the city’s attractions with the Obelisk of Glory, the Eternal Flame and the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Panticapaeum. The famous Mithridates staircase leads to the peak of this Mount.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
7/20
The Obelisk of Glory soaring into the sky can be seen from many parts of the city. This 24-meter monument was erected in honor of those who liberated Crimea in 1944.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Irina Ul`eva
8/20
And here, in the city center, there is another reminder of the heroism of Kerch during the Great Patriotic War. It is the Glory public garden.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
9/20
In the middle of the Glory public garden there is one more Eternal Flame. The memory of the key events that took place in the city in 1941-1944 is immortalized here.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Irina Ul`eva
10/20
By the way, many interesting places belong to the central part of Kerch.
In the photo: Lenin Square.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Irina Ul`eva
11/20
All these sights remind of different milestones in the history of Kerch.
In the photo: a monument to Lenin and the temple of John the Baptist.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Konstantin Krestyaninov
12/20
There are beautiful old buildings, for example, the former grammar school for girls, the buildings belongs to the 19th century.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Irina Ul`eva
13/20
Not far from this educational institution there is the white building of the Pushkin Theater. It was built in Kerch as far back as before the Crimean War.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
14/20
But, perhaps, one of the most ancient buildings of the city is the temple of John the Baptist. This example of Byzantine architecture was created in the 8th century AD. The building has been partially reconstructed several times since.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
15/20
Today it is a functioning Orthodox shrine, which is also considered the oldest of its kind in Crimea.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Irina Ul`eva
16/20
Visiting interesting places of Kerch, you may walk along its embankment. It stretches between trading and fishing ports.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
17/20
And, while on a walking tour, relax in the shade of trees or near one of the babbling fountains. This is especially pleasant to do on hot summer days.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Konstantin Krestyaninov
18/20
After that you can go for a boat trip and admire the ancient city from the Strait of Kerch.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
19/20
And of course, being in Kerch, which has been bearing the honorary title of "Hero City" since 1973, do not forget to honor the memory of those who fought and fell for it.
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Konstantin Krestyaninov
20/20
Well, and the city will give you a piece of itself − unforgettable memories, beautiful photos and emotions that you will want to share with your relatives and friends. Come on over, Kerch is waiting!
Tourism portal of the Republic of Crimea, Sergey Korshunov
