Highlights of Eupatoria

Duration: 8 hours
Walking: medium

TTake an opportunity to visit one of the oldest cities in the world — Eupatoria (over 2500 years). Modern-day Eupatoria stands on the place of the Greek colony of Kerkinitis founded during the Greek colonization of Crimea. Along with the rest of Crimea, Kerkinitis was part of the dominions of Mithridates VI, King of Pontus, from whose nickname, Eupator, the city's modern name derives. Take a promenade by old part of sea-front where you can admire the exteriors of St. Iliya Church (Greek church built in 1918) and interiors of Dzhuma-Dzhami (Khan-Dzhami) mosque (it was built in 1552 -1564 by design of well-known Turkish architect Khodzha Sinan), St. Nicholas Cathedral (it was constructed at the end of XIX century in the memory of city release from English & French troops during Crimean War (1853-1856)).

Continue to see the unique Karaite Kenasses — religious center of Crimean Karaite, one of the smallest native groups of Crimea. The complex of Kenasses consists of two temples — Big & Little Kenasses and 3 courtyards. Nowadays, the Little Kenassa is the unique temple where public worships are given. There is also an exposition of marble fountains, columns, marble plates with inscription on biblical language, samples of clothing, crockery, furniture of the Karaites. Here, in the old part of city local restaurant welcomes you for lunch. The next visit of the day is Tekie-Dervish temple complex, related with history of dervishes (XVI-XVII century). Proceed further to the Local Lore museum, the exposition of which includes gold and silver embroidery, beadwork, traditional interior of Crimean Tatar houses of the mid XIX century.