ShrinesThe most ancient shrines of Crimea: existing mosquesCrimea is a region saturated with the history of different peoples and cultures. Travelers arrive on the peninsula in search of spiritual harmony. Here are many places for prayers and adherents of different religious faiths – all contribute to the development of pilgrimage tourism.
PhotosLost in the mountains: Crimean cave monasteriesCrimean cave monasteries were established in the Middle Ages. They are still inhabited by monks hidden away from the world in the mountain gorges, amid the rocks, forests and ancient fortresses between Sevastopol and Bakhchisarai. Here, the present meets the long-standing traditions of the early Christians in Crimea.
History and cultureSts Cosmas and Damian MonasteryThe monastery was founded in 1856. According to legend, holy brothers Cosmas and Damian lived there in the Middle Ages, treating people for many diseases.
History and cultureSt Stephen of Sourozh MonasteryAccording to legend, in the 8th century the place was the summer residence of the Archbishop of Sourozh, St Stephen.
History and cultureSt John the Baptist ChurchA 6th century Orthodox church, it is a piece of Byzantine architecture, the oldest in Crimea.
History and cultureSt Nicholas Church LighthouseBuilt in 2004, this 65-metre-high church is the highest church in Crimea. The image of St Nicholas is painted on its eastern side.
History and cultureSt Clement Cave MonasteryThis is one of the oldest cave monasteries in Crimea, carved into the western slope of Monastyrskaya cliff below the ruins of the medieval Kalamita Fortress.
History and cultureSt Elijah ChurchBuilt in 1911-1918 to the design of architect Adam Genrikh, this Greek church ranks among the city's three most important architectural landmarks, along with the Dzhuma-Dzhami Mosque and the St Nicholas Cathedral.
History and cultureDzhuma-Dzhami MosqueBuilt in 1552 by Turkish architect Koca Mimar Sinan, it is one of Crimea's largest mosques: its height is 22 m while the cupola over its central part is 11 m in diameter.
History and cultureArmenian Surb-Nikogaios Church (St Nicholas the Wonderworker Church)The construction of the church began in 1817 at the site of a destroyed 17th century church. In 1984, the church received architectural landmark status.
History and cultureCave Holy Dormition MonasteryThe monastery, presumably founded in the 6th century, is located in Mariam-Dere (Maria gorge) near Bakhchisarai. In addition to the monastery complex, the grounds house a cemetery for soldiers killed during the Crimean War of 1853-1856, and a burial place for the Great Patriotic War heroes.
History and cultureÖz Beg Khan MosqueThis architectural landmark in the city of Stary Krym is the oldest surviving mosque in the peninsula.
History and cultureChelter-Koba Cave-MonasteryThe monastery named after Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates (Chelter-Koba) is one of Crimea's oldest cave monasteries. It includes the main church, monastic cells and a refectory, which are connected by paths cut out in solid rock.
History and cultureYusupov MosqueThe mosque was built by architect Nikolai Krasnov for Prince Felix Yusupov in 1910.
History and cultureMufti Jami MosqueThe Mufti Jami Mosque is the city’s only surviving historical sacred place for Muslims to worship.
History and cultureCathedral MosqueThe largest mosque in Crimea has been under construction since 2015 and is expected to be completed in 2019.
History and cultureSt Nicolas Monument ChurchAn architectural symbol of Sevastopol, this Orthodox church shaped like a pyramid is located on the top of a hill in the middle of a memorial cemetery.
History and cultureKebir-Jami Cathedral MosqueThe oldest building in Simferopol, the mosque was built in the early 16th century.
