Kerch is a city in the Crimea on the Kerch Peninsula, standing on the shores of the Kerch Strait. Kerch is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its territory is full of historical and architectural monuments belonging to different eras and cultures.

In the summer, due to its location on the shores of the Black Sea and the Azov Sea, Kerch attracts tourists from the countries of the former Soviet Union.

Take a tour of Kerch

Tags: Kerch city

Yeni-Kale is an ancient fortress located in the Crimea on the shore of the Kerch Strait. The fortress was built by the Ottomans in 1699-1706. The name is translated from Turkish meaning “new castle” (yeni – new, kale – fortress). Currently Yeni Kale is on the territory of Kerch city.

Yeni Kale was of great strategic importance. Located at the narrowest part of the strait the fortress, armed with powerful guns, controlled the passage of ships between the Azov and Black Seas. The construction was led by Goloppo – an Italian who had converted to Islam. Also several French engineers took part in the construction. Photos by Alexander Lipilin.

(more…)

Tags: Crimea Republic · fortress · Kerch city

Orthodox church of St. John the Baptist located in the center of Kerch is a unique monument of Byzantine architecture. It is the oldest Christian church on the territory of the former Soviet Union, built in the beginning of the 8th century.

For nearly fourteen centuries the church experienced a lot of natural disasters and impacts of human ignorance. Comprehensive restoration of the church made in 1980th returned it to the list of pearls of world architecture, and in 1990 the church again became active. The photos were captured by kvdm.

(more…)

Tags: church · Kerch city