Chufut-Kale
Chufut-Kale is a medieval cave town on a rocky plateau 3 km east of Bakhchisaray, one of the most famous in Crimea. From the 15th century, it even became the capital of the Crimean Khanate under Haji Gerai, and later it was inhabited mainly by Karaites.
About 200 cave structures carved out of the rock, the Janike Khan mausoleum of 1437, two Karaite kenas and the Tik-Kuyu well with underground passages have survived here. And back in 1731, the first printing house in Crimea started working on this plateau - a good reason to be proud of a city in a rock.
The road leads from Bakhchisaray, then the climb to the plateau is on foot. Take normal shoes: the rock does not know indulgence.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Chufut-Kale and where to find it?
This is a medieval cave city on a rocky plateau, one of the most famous in Crimea. It sits 3 km east of Bakhchisaray, so start there.
Who once lived here?
From the 16th century, the city was inhabited mainly by Karaites. In the 15th century, it managed to be the capital of the Crimean Khanate under Khan Haji Gerai, and in the middle of the 19th century, people gradually moved to Bakhchisaray.
What is interesting to see there?
Dhanike Khanim Mausoleum of 1437, two Karaite kenas and about 200 cave buildings, hollowed out of the rock. There is also a Tik-Kuyu well, if you like underground passageways.
What made Chufut-Kale stand out in history?
In 1731, the first printing press in Crimea started working here - not the worst reason for pride for a city in a rock.
How to get there?
The most convenient way from Bakhchisaray is the city 3 km to the east, then the ascent to the plateau on foot. Take normal shoes, the rock does not know indulgence.