Mangup

This is an ancient cave-fortress city on a plateau 584 meters above sea level. Once here was the capital of the entire principality of Feodoro - not just anything, but a serious political power of its time.

The city survived six eras - from the late Romans and Byzantines to the Khazars and Feodorites. It flourished in the 15th century until the Ottomans came in 1475. The last inhabitants, the Karaites, left the plateau around 1790, and it has been quiet since then.

Remains of defensive walls and towers, a large basilica measuring about 31 by 26 meters, remains of a palace and cave churches with frescoes. In total, there are more than four dozen sights here - there is plenty to wander around.

The plateau stands on a mountain with three ravines and four capes on the northern slope, so you can't call it a flat walk. Take comfortable shoes and water - you will have to sweat at the top.

Near the village of Khoja-Sala in the Bakhchisaray district of Crimea. Aim for the Baba-kaya mountain - it is on its plateau that the former city spread out.