Those who went on pilgrimage tours to Crimea in the summer will be able not only to visit local religious sites, but also to relax on the Black Sea coast (throughout the Crimea, pilgrim boarding houses and hotels are available to guests).
Sevastopol, Yalta and Bakhchisarai districts are the most promising areas for pilgrim tourism, since their territory is filled with religious buildings of the Crimea (60%), most of which are Orthodox.
Chersonesos in Sevastopol
This object, located in the Gagarinsky district of Sevastopol, is a historical and archaeological reserve, where many tourists rush to admire the unique architectural monuments, as well as attend the excavation sites (those who wish will participate in a small expedition).
A tour of Chersonesos involves visiting the ruins of houses and temples: so, everyone will be able to see:
- antique theater for 3000 spectators;
- Zeno's tower (which is the best-preserved defensive structure);
- the basilica (it was decorated with mosaics, and its columns were made of marble and decorated with carved crosses);
- Vladimirsky Cathedral (in ancient times, around it was the main square of Chersonesos - agora; in 2002, the former painting was recreated in the cathedral; the marble iconostasis deserves the attention of pilgrims);
- a bell cast from captured Turkish cannons (the bell served as a sound beacon for ships).
Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky in Yalta
This Orthodox cathedral in Yalta (icons for it were painted by masters from Mstera) is famous for its gilded domes, numerous decorative elements and 11 bells (visitors can admire the mosaic image of Alexander Nevsky - it is located on the outside of the cathedral). Tourists and pilgrims flock here year after year, wishing not only to inspect the temple, but also to participate in divine services.
Holy Dormition Monastery of Bakhchisarai
At the beginning of the 20th century, the territory of the complex in Bakhchisarai consisted of 5 temples, an orchard and houses for pilgrims, but in 1921 it was closed. In 1993, part of the temples, the bell tower, the abbot's house, cell buildings were restored, and a water source was also equipped. In addition, the rock paintings were restored and the stone staircase leading to the upper tier of the monastery was restored, which cannot but delight the pilgrims who come here (they pray here in front of the icon of Our Lady of the Three Hands).
It is worth noting that in addition to the monastery complex, those who wish can visit the cemetery of soldiers who fell in the Crimean War (1853-1856).
Toplovsky nunnery
The location of this Orthodox monastery is the vicinity of the village of Topolevka. It was built on the spring where, according to local legends, Saint Paraskeva was martyred (today there is a bathhouse and a chapel near the spring). Many people visit this place and the source of St. George, located 2 km from here, with a chapel and a bath.
It is worth noting that the pilgrims of the Toplovsky Monastery strive to visit the cave that the Bulgarian girl Constantine dug near the holy spring and spent her life there in works and prayers.
Cathedral of John the Baptist in Kerch
The antiquity of this temple in Kerch is confirmed by the found amphorae dating back to the 8th century; according to legend, Andrew the First-Called blessed its construction. Today, visitors to the cathedral can see an exposition in the form of a collection of ancient stones (inscriptions are carved on them) and participate in divine services.
