Thanks to the fact that in Kerch preserved amazing historical and architectural monuments, we have the opportunity to visualize what this well-known ancient city lived during previous centuries. One of such structures, which became a mute witness of history and survived to our time, was the fortress of Kerch - a real masterpiece of fortification art. For its more than a century and a half the Kerch fortress has seen many events and played an important role in the history of our country.

The prerequisites for the construction of the fortress were Russia's prohibition to have a fleet and military fortresses on the shores of the Black Sea, but fortresses on the shore of the Kerch Strait in the Azov Sea under the ban formally did not fall. On this basis in 1857 the construction of the fortress Kerch began. More than 20 years have gone into the construction of this grand structure, and it cost more than 12 million rubles.

Only by the beginning of the Russian-Turkish war in 1877 . construction was completed, all the fortifications were in full readiness, and the garrison staffed by . However, to take part in hostilities during the 19th century, the fortress did not happen . In the beginning of the 20th century it became a warehouse, after revolution there were political prisoners here, and in the 30s . in the citadel premises organized fleet warehouses . This trial was ahead of . During the Great Patriotic War the fortress was repeatedly bombarded and bombed on its territory, fierce battles took place . Despite numerous attempts to blow up the fortress, it did not happen . After the war here again warehouses are located, and then - the disciplinary battalion .

The main pride of the Kerch fortress are underground passages, with which a lot of ice-cold legends and stories are associated.

The buildings that have survived on the territory of the fortress are of great cultural and historical value. Today the Kerch fortress is open to tourists, and anyone can come here to wander through the steppe-grassed slopes and mentally return to a century and a half ago.

Tourist Information

Address: Kerch, Cape Ak -Burun. Phone: +380 (6561) 2-50-61.

Working hours: Tuesday - Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00, closed day: Monday. Excursions are held from 9:30 to 14:30, prefabricated excursions are held at 10:00 and 14:30.

You can get to the fortress from the Kerch bus station by bus number 6, however, the bus does not take you to the very sight, but land on stop "Woodworking Branch", from there 30 minutes walk. By car it is convenient to turn from Voroshilov-Budyonny ring to Bocharka (by bus No. 8), then go along the sea, and after two turns to the left you are in place.

Children are allowed to visit from the age of 7. Excursion service is included in the ticket price. If you wish, you can pre-book an excursion to the Historical and Archaeological Museum (Kerch, Sverdlov Str., 7.)

Prices are for October 2014

Wall, Kerch Fortress

Arch, Fortress Kerch

Ruins of Kerch Fortress