The Mikhailovsky fortification museum complex is a modern landmark in Gelendzhik, it was opened in 2005. The complex is located in Arkhipo-Osipovka - a village that is part of the municipality of the resort town of Gelendzhik. The history of the origin of the name of this village is directly connected with the Mikhailovsky fortification. During the Caucasian War of the first half of the 19th century, the company of the Russian army settled in the Mikhailovsky fortification to protect this area from the mountaineers.
The battles lasted the whole of March, but when it became clear that the Russian army could not defeat the enemy, the company's soldier Arkhip Osipov decided on a feat . He literally sacrificed himself and his remaining colleagues with him, which was not more than a dozen. Waiting until the enemy approaches as close as possible, Osipov set fire to the powder storehouse, destroying not only the Mikhailovsky fortification with the remnants of the garrison, but also a much larger number of mountain people - about three thousand.
Arkhip Osipov did not have a family, and Emperor Nicholas the First immortalized his name in this way: when the company was called by the name of Osipov, it was pronounced first, and the next rank-and-file (first in the company in fact) was to answer ь: "Killed in honor of Russian weapons in the fortification of Mikhailovskoye."
Since those far times to the present, only fortified ramparts have survived. The very wooden fortress, which was erected here in 1837 and subsequently blown up by Arkhip Osipov in 1840, was recreated by drawings and drawings, as well as by historical eyewitness accounts. It was rebuilt in 2005, trying to keep all the historical authenticity of the building.
The fortress, which is also called Mikhailov Kuren, is built of wood, on its sides - observation towers, guns are placed at the bottom. Sam Kuren is not too big, it consists of one room with a large gate area of 130 square meters. m. However, the value is not so much a fortress as the very territory of the museum complex. Here, under the open sky, a lot of exhibits are exhibited, there are museum halls, a diorama of the battle that made Arkhip Osipov famous, as well as a restaurant and a hotel.
Paleontological exposition shows fossilized prehistoric plants and even animal remains (giant deer, ancient rhino, bison). There is also a department dedicated to antiquity, because in due time this territory belonged to the Roman Empire. Objects of life of the Kuban of the Middle Ages impress with their colorfulness. There are also two exhibitions devoted to the animal world of the Black Sea coast and minerals, including rare ones.
Practical information
You can get to the Mikhailovskoye Fortified Museum Complex by car or by shuttle bus , which travel from the center of Gelendzhik to Arkhipo-Osipovka. But it is best to visit this museum complex with a group excursion. At the same time, the museum can host about 40 people, the entrance fee will include the services of the guide.
Address: Krasnodar Region, p. Arkhipo-Osipovka, 15:00.
Phone: +7 (861-41) 616-30.
Working time: daily from 9:00 to 18:00, except on Mondays and public holidays