Kiz-Kermen
Kyz-Kermen is a medieval settlement on a mountain plateau in the Bakhchysaray district, one of the Crimean "cave cities". The name is translated from Crimean Tatar as "girl's fortress", and the settlement stretches over a kilometer in length.
The remains of a defensive wall with semicircular towers and gates, traces of manor complexes and three man-made caves have survived to this day. The settlement flourished in the 8th-9th centuries, although fortifications were built on this site even earlier.
The community was small, about a hundred people. And during the excavations, the ritual burial of a child, the so-called construction sacrifice, was found in the wall, so the peaceful plateau has its own dark page.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Kyz-Kermen?
This is a medieval settlement, one of the Crimean cave cities on the mountain plateau of Cape Kyz-Kule. The name translates from Crimean Tatar as "girl's fortress".
Where is it and how big is it?
Bakhchisarai district of Crimea, near the village of Mashine. The hillfort stretches for more than a kilometer in length, and its width reaches 250 meters - there was plenty of room.
What can be seen there?
Remains of a defensive wall up to 8 meters thick in places with two semicircular towers and gates, traces of seven manor complexes and three man-made caves that have survived to this day.
What is the history of this place?
Поселення виникло у VIII-IX століттях, тоді ж і пережило свій розквіт, а стіну поставили поверх ще давніших укріплень IV-III століть. Few lived here - about a hundred people.
Any creepy details?
Yes. In the center of the defensive wall, archaeologists found the ritual burial of a child - the so-called construction victim. Today it is a monument of cultural heritage.
Tours visiting this place
Reports from these routes
For organizing and conducting the “Cave Cities of Crimea” hike I give +12 according to the new (12) point system. Many thanks to you, Kirill, for organizing the hike and, of course,…
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