The city of Crimea republic.
Kerch (also spelled Kertch) is a city of eastern part of Crimean peninsula (Crimea Republic). Kerch has a Hero-city status. It is one of the most ancient cities in the world. There are plenty of various historical and architectural monuments and memorials of different historical periods and cultures on the territory of Kerch.
Kerch city population is about 156,000 (2010).
The phone code of the city is +380 6561; postal codes are 98300-98399.
Kerch history began about 2600 years ago when ancient Greeks settlers founded several independent city-states on the shores of Crimean peninsula. One of them was city Pantikapeya (later Kerch). Due to favorable geographical position of Pantikapeya various trade routes from Europe, Asia and China were crossing there. Later Kerch was under Roman Empire control.
From the 6th century AD Kerch was under Byzantine Empire control. Bospor citadel was built in Kerch town. In the 7th century Turkic Khazars took control of Bospor, and the town was named Karcha or Charsha. Christianity was major religion in Kerch during the period of Khazar rule. Kerch’s Church of St. John the Baptist was founded in 717, thus, it is the oldest church in Ukraine.
From the 10th century Kerch was Slavic settlement named Korchev, which belonged to the Tmutarakan principality. Korchev was the center of trade between Russia, Crimea and Caucasus. In the 13th century Crimea including Korchev was invaded by Mongols. After Mongols, Kerch became Genoese colony of Cerco (Cherkio) in 1318 and served as a sea harbor.
In 1475 Kerch town passed to Ottoman Empire. During Turkish rule Kerch fell into decay and served as a slave-market. The town repeatedly suffered from raids of Zaporozhian Cossacks. In 1771 Russian Army invaded Crimea and in 1774, Kerch became Russian city.
In the late 19th century, mechanical and cement factories were built, and tinned food and tobacco factories were established. By 1900, Kerch city was connected to a railroad system. At that time the population of Kerch reached 33,000. Kerch city was damaged heavily during World War II.
In the second half of 20th century Kerch became large shipbuilding and metal casting center. Fishery plays an important role in Kerch city economy. Kerch is located on the shores of Azov and Black Seas. But despite the seaside location, Kerch tourism is limited today because of the industrial character of the city and associated pollution.
Despite the lack of beaches in Kerch city area, there are a lot of them at distance of 20 minute travel by bus, train or taxi. Kerch has plenty of impressive architectural and historical monuments. Ancient historical heritage of Kerch makes it attractive for scientific tourism.
Kerch city, Ukraine street
Kerch city street
Kerch city street view
Rich cultural and historical heritage of Kerch creates conditions for scientific tourism. The most famous places of interest of Kerch are as follows:
The Glory obelisk on Mitridat mountain was opened on August 8th, 1944. It was the first monument to World War II events on the territory of the USSR. It’s worth mentioning that stone of St.Trinity church - central church in Kerch - was used for constructing the monument. The church survived war and occupation but in 1944, after the town was set free, it was destroyed by the Soviet regime.
The main square in Kerch (Lenin square) was formed in the 30s of 19th century instead of pulled down Turkish fortress.
Ancient Greeks city Pantikapeya remains
Kerch city central part
Kerch city railway station
Kerch city, Ukraine church
Kerch city church view
Kerch Saint John the Baptist church
Kerch city, Ukraine scenery
Kerch city scenery
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