Chelter-Koba
Chelter-Koba - the cave monastery of St. Theodore in the valley of the Belbek River, in the Bakhchysaray District, about a kilometer from the village of Velike Sadov. The name translates from Crimean Tatar as "lattice-cave", and when you see more than 50 caves in four tiers - you will understand why.
The monastery was founded in the 13th-14th centuries on the northern borders of the Principality of Feodoro, it was destroyed in the 15th century, so it stood empty for most of its history. The main temple is dedicated to the Great Martyr Theodore Stratilatus, and on the lower level there is a large cave with five columns and an ancient stone tarapan.
Since the beginning of the 2000s, the monastery has been restored little by little: the temple is operational, some of the cells and the bell tower have already been restored. You get to the village, and then on foot, along paths cut straight into the rock.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Chelter Koba?
This is the cave monastery of St. Theodore in the Crimea. The name translates from Crimean Tatar as "lattice-cave", and when you see more than 50 caves in four tiers - you will understand why.
Where is it located and how to get there?
The monastery is hidden in the valley of the Belbek River, in the Bakhchysaray district, about a kilometer from the village of Velike Sadov. You get to the village, and then on foot, because the cells are connected by paths cut straight into the rock.
How old is he?
The monastery was founded in the 13th-14th centuries on the northern borders of the Feodoro principality. It was destroyed in the 15th century, so the monastery stood empty for most of its history.
What is worth seeing inside?
The main church is dedicated to the Great Martyr Theodore Stratilatus - this is where the services are held again. And on the lower level, a large cave awaits with five columns and a giant tarapan, an ancient stone platform.
Is it possible to get there today?
Yes, since the beginning of the 2000s, the monastery has been restored little by little: the church is functioning, part of the cells and the bell tower have already been restored. That is, it is not just ruins, but a living place.
Tours visiting this place
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