At the turn of the 15th-16th centuries, the city of Ak-Mechet was founded, which was one of the most important administrative centers of the Crimean Khanate. Successful political decisions and military victories of the Russian Empire, led by Catherine II and her loyal associates, led to the formation of the Tauride province. In 1784, on the territory of Ak-Mechet, a new settlement of Simferopol was founded, which later became the capital of the peninsula. The main city of the Republic of Crimea welcomes guests with southern cordiality, impressing with an abundance of interesting places. The sights of Simferopol embody the cultural, historical and spiritual values of the multinational peoples living in Tavrida. Ancient buildings, structures, temples, monuments, parks, theaters, museums give the city its own individual style.
Karaite kenassa
Representatives of various ethnic groups have lived in Crimea for thousands of years. These are Greeks, Tatars, Sarmatians and Scythians. One of the world's smallest nations, the Karaites, professed a separate religious branch of Judaism, left its cultural mark. The spiritual center and temple building of the Karaites is kenassa. In many cities of the peninsula, you can see the beautiful prayer buildings of this people. Particularly impressive is the building located in the capital of the Republic of Crimea.
Simferopol kenassa is a unique shrine built in different architectural styles. It is a combination of forms and lines of Byzantine, Oriental and Gothic architecture. The façade of the two-storey building, completed at the end of the 19th century, makes a favorable impression. An attic decorated with ornaments, carved stone multifaceted columns, small turrets above the main entrance, round and openwork windows form a beautiful architectural ensemble.
Dolgorukovsky obelisk
One of the first Russian monuments in the city is the Dolgorukovsky obelisk, erected in 1842. A four-sided spire with a pyramidal end rises on a pedestal and rises 20 meters high in the very heart of the city. The monument is dedicated to the victory of the Russian army under the command of Prince V. Dolgoruky over the Ottomans and Tatars in 1771. After the defeat of the troops of the Crimean Khanate, the vassal state declared its independence and passed under the protectorate of the Russian Empire. The base of the obelisk is decorated with bas-relief medallions. They depict the coat of arms and portrait of V. Dolgoruky, as well as capture the heroic moments of battles and the plot of the worship of the defeated people to the Grand Duke.
Train station Simferopol-Passenger
The railway station is one of the main attractions. The hospitable gates of Crimea, from where most of the fascinating travels of tourists to the picturesque places of the peninsula begin, amaze with the beauty of the architecture. The complex of buildings and structures was erected in 1951. This is an imitation of the best examples of Italian architecture. The station buildings are interconnected by a system of arched gallery with graceful rows of colonnades.
The walls are faced with natural white stone. The facades are decorated with stucco molding with elements of fine decorative carving. On the inner sides of the arches, you can see magnificent bas-reliefs. The courtyard with a fountain, benches and well-groomed bushes became a successful architectural find. The four-sided clock tower of the station complex, which rises by 42 meters, is of interest. The structure is crowned with a sharp spire with a five-pointed star. Two-meter dials are installed on each side of the tower.
Emoji museum
On the twelfth kilometer of the Simferopol - Yalta highway, there is a surprisingly positive and unusual museum of emoticons. In the open air, surrounded by green trees, there are numerous giant round figures of stylized famous computer symbols. The height of yellow emoticons reaches two meters. Each exhibit depicts a different emotion. These are laughter, joy, falling in love, resentment, vanity, arrogance, drowsiness, fatigue, and many others.
An interactive smiley located in a small museum building will not leave anyone indifferent. He communicates with visitors, answers any of their questions, makes riddles and amazes with the versatility of knowledge. The museum also has a store with products corresponding to the theme of the institution. Here you can buy toys, backpacks and various souvenirs.
Park of forged figures
In one of the central squares of the Crimean capital, a shady square with wrought-iron sculptures is laid out. The place is famous for the abundance of bizarre figures made by professional craftsmen of artistic forging. Intricate works of blacksmithing are distinguished by the elegance of the smallest metal details.
Walking along the well-groomed paths of the park, figures of animals, mythical and real creatures, signs of the zodiac, various symbols and bizarre compositions appear. The highlight of the open-air exposition is the winged motorcycle. The machine amazes with meticulously thought out details. Noteworthy is the monk, dressed in a medieval robe with a hood and holding a sword in his hand. The benches placed under the tree crowns are also decorated with original intricate ornaments.
Emine-Bair-Khosar cave
On the slope of the Chatyr-Dag mountain there is a grandiose and well-equipped karst cave - Emine-Bair-Khosar. Its age is about 10 million years. This is a mesmerizing underground kingdom, the length of which is equal to two kilometers at a depth of 125 meters from the surface of the earth. Numerous halls of the cave are connected by paths, stairs and bridges. In the premises of the cave, you can see many unusual natural rock formations, giving the enclosed space a fabulous look.
Here, for thousands of years, water seeped through the soil, resulting in the formation of outgrowths, stalagmites and stalactites. The main hall is a paleontological museum. In the depths of the tunnels, scientists have found the bones of various animals. They fell into a natural well that leads into a cave.
Salgirkak park
On the banks of the Salgir River there is a magnificent botanical garden named after M.S. Vorontsov. This is the oldest park complex, founded in 1795 by the German academician P.S. Palass. The area of 40 hectares impresses with an abundance of vegetation. Along the narrow forest paths, there are amazingly beautiful meadows of flowers and wide alleys of age-old trees, many of which are listed in the Red Book. The local nature creates a unique atmosphere enveloped in fragrant aromas.
Many ornamental and fruit shrubs, broadleaf and coniferous plants are planted in the park. Various roses, tulips, lilac flowers, phloxes, peonies and magnolias fascinate visitors to the garden. You can also see an old manor house built in 1787 among the green spaces. In addition to the richness of flora, the territory is decorated with stone compositions, benches and gazebos.
Gagarinsky park
A pleasant walk awaits tourists in the park of culture and recreation. Yu.A. Gagarin. It is an imposing green oasis in the city center. Here you can carelessly spend time on the banks of several ponds or on well-groomed lawns under the crowns of deciduous and coniferous plantations. The picturesque place charges with a positive and creates a wonderful mood for vacationers.
The large landscape park occupies 50 hectares of the urban area.Sculptural statues, children's attractions, alleys of tall trees, flower beds, memorial structures, as well as many winding paths make up an integral complex for a serene pastime for visitors to the park. The wonderful rest will be complemented by riding on catamarans on the flat surface of the lake.
Children's park
The center of entertainment and sports activities of the city is the Children's Park, located in the center on Kirov Street. A wide alley with benches, tall trees, sculptures of forged figures and flower beds leads to a fascinating world of adventure. This place creates a festive mood for adults and children all year round. The park is famous for the abundance of all kinds of attractions for every taste and budget. Visitors to the recreation area will be delighted with swings, carousels, slides, trampolines, shooting galleries, small cinemas in special carriages, a Ferris wheel, playgrounds with board games and much more.
A glade of fairy tales is of particular interest to the guests of the park. Here you can see the Hut on chicken legs, heroes with spears and shields, a mermaid on the branches of an oak and other characters known from literary works. In a small zoo corner, ponies, llamas and horses live in spacious enclosures.
Vorontsov's house
In the Salgirka park there is the former country estate of the Governor-General Count M.S. Vorontsov, who often came on official business. A small one-storey estate is the oldest architectural monument of the capital of the Republic of Crimea.
The facade of the building, erected at the beginning of the 19th century, embodies the best example of classical European architecture. It is a strictly symmetrical building in plan with a tiled gable roof, a modest terrace and a Doric colonnade. On both sides of the staircase leading to the main entrance of the estate, there are marble figures of lions. Now Vorontsov's house pleases the eyes of visitors to the beautiful botanical garden.
Naples Scythian
The archaeological reserve is of unique value for the historical and cultural heritage of mankind. These are the ruins of the ancient Scythian city of Naples, founded in the 3rd century BC. At the place where the nomadic Scythian tribe lived, scientists discovered many burials with gold objects, bronze jewelry, statues and a mausoleum of the local king. Here you can feel the strength and spirit of some of the first inhabitants of the peninsula.
On the ennobled territory of 20 hectares, you can see the remains of a fortress, a model of a ceramic kiln, an antique winery and numerous excavations. Most of the objects of the ancient city are located underground. Excavations are underway today, which contributes to the expansion of the territory of Scythian Naples.
Kebir-Jami Mosque
At the beginning of the 16th century, by order of the Crimean Khan Mengli Geray, the Kebir-Jami mosque was erected, which is today the oldest building in Simferopol. The shrine of the main spiritual center of the Muslims of Crimea is a modest structure, in the external appearance of which there are no pronounced decoration of the facade. The architectural beauty of the building is given by a gable wooden roof and a columnar low minaret with a conical end crowned with a crescent. The walls of the mosque are decorated with white lime whitewash.
Holy Trinity Convent
A truly spiritual landmark is the Holy Trinity Convent. For many parishioners, this is a special place, since the relics of the holy healer, surgeon and Archbishop Luka Voino-Yasenetsky rest in the main church of the monastery.
In the picturesque territory of the monastery, where there is a lot of greenery and flowers, there are various church buildings. The cathedral is of interest, striking with the beauty and grandeur of traditional Orthodox architecture. The church, cruciform in plan, is crowned in the center with a massive octahedral drum, on which a sky-blue dome is installed. A low bell tower rises nearby. Ornamental patterns, Byzantine mosaics, arched windows and slender pilasters adorn the façade of the cathedral.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
Walking through the center, it is impossible to pass by the monumental Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This is one of the most stately Orthodox churches in the Republic of Crimea. The iconic architectural structure, erected in accordance with the principles of classicism, is a newly recreated structure of the city. The cathedral, founded back in 1823, was engulfed in a revolutionary whirlwind and blown up after the formation of the Soviet regime. The historical landmark literally revived from the ashes in 2009 and today has undergone a large-scale reconstruction.
The appearance of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is striking in its magnificence. The temple is crowned with one large and four small golden domes mounted on high faceted drums. The main entrance is decorated with a portico with six columns. The walls are faced with snow-white limestone. The halls of the temple are skillfully decorated with murals and a gilded iconostasis. The sophistication of the interior is given by ocher colors, combined with golden oak parquet.
Peter and Paul Cathedral
The consolidated position of Christianity on the peninsula at the beginning of the 19th century led to the need to build a spacious Orthodox church for local parishioners. Thus, the church of the holy apostles Peter and Paul was built.
The architectural appearance of the relatively small Peter and Paul Cathedral combines forms of classical and ancient Russian architecture. High arched windows are framed with white-stone platbands. The outer walls with a semicircular end, a stepped cornice, and an onion dome mounted on a high drum make a favorable impression. The facade of the cathedral's central entrance is decorated with thin pilasters and colored mosaic panels. The temple contains relics, ancient icons and relics of saints.
Central Museum of Taurida
You can get acquainted with the centuries-old history of Crimea, its original culture, traditions of peoples and natural gifts in the Central Museum of Local Lore of Taurida. In this interesting and informative place, visitors will see more than 150,000 of the most valuable exhibits that create a general idea of the historical eras of the peninsula.
The halls of the museum house collections of pottery and porcelain with exquisite carved drawings, firearms and edged weapons, household items and clothing, paintings and applied art, as well as jewelry, coins, dishes and much more. The collection of engravings and lithographs of the late 18th century is of interest. They depict the unique views of the Crimean cities and landscapes of the past centuries. The pride of the museum is the paleontological findings of scientists. These are the remains of mammoths and other animals, which are more than 100 million years old.
Crimean Ethnographic Museum
The wealth of culture of the multinational people who inhabited the peninsula at different historical times is presented in the ethnographic museum. Here are collected about 4,000 items that characterize the traditions and life of various groups of ethnic groups. Museum visitors can find themselves in a special room that recreates the old way of life. Elegant clothes, carpets, tools, personal belongings, dishes and furniture are exhibited here. The relics of peoples create a unique atmosphere of past centuries and will not leave anyone indifferent.
Art Museum
The Simferopol Art Museum is located in the historic palace, built in the classical architectural style. The building was erected at the beginning of the 20th century and served as a meeting place for officers of the Imperial Majesty's Life Guards. The main museum exhibits are collections of paintings, graphics and sculptures. Masterpieces of art are exhibited in spacious rooms decorated with stucco and large chandeliers.
Visitors to this interesting place can get acquainted with Russian, Western European and Eastern art of different eras. In total, there are more than 8 thousand exhibits. The abundance of picturesque paintings of Crimean landscapes, still lifes and portraits of noble gentlemen of their time is impressive. The hall with ancient icons of the 16th century is worthy of attention.
City History Museum
An architectural ensemble of the 19th century was built along Pushkin Street. One of these old mansions houses a museum of the history of the city. A cultural and educational institution was opened in 2009. An extensive collection of exhibits has been collected thanks to the enthusiasm and gifts of the inhabitants of the capital of Crimea. Here you can see ancient objects that tell about the life of the city from the moment of its foundation. These are documents, photographs, paintings, newspapers, coins, books, furniture and other relics. The museum exposition is complemented by the "Tatar Corner" and a small cinema.
Chocolate Museum "Salon du Chocolat"
Unusual confectionery "Salon Du Chocolat" will pleasantly and tasty delight the guests of the city. This is the only cafe-museum on the peninsula whose exhibits are made of chocolate. Enthusiastic feelings are evoked by the atmosphere of the institution. The sweet aroma of the products saturates a small room, which houses unique culinary masterpieces. The confectionery craftsmen skillfully craft various chocolates and exquisite edible "sculptures".
Figures of people and animals, paintings, musical instruments, buildings, architectural monuments, medallions, coins, badges and much more appear in glass showcases and on shelves of cabinets. The Eiffel Tower is popular, and it took tens of kilograms of chocolate to create it. There is an exposition dedicated to the history of the reigning persons of the Russian Empire. You can see royal robes, a Monomakh hat, Faberge eggs and other items of confectionery art.
Human Anatomy Museum
The department of the Crimean Medical Institute hospitably opens its doors to the Museum of Human Anatomy. The expositions of this educational institution are devoted to the structure of the skeleton, internal organs and physical abnormalities of a person.
Museum exhibits can make a strong impression on visitors who are unprepared and painfully perceiving the anatomical features of the body. Individual parts of the body, embryos and internal organs are stored in glass showcases and flasks. The main specimens are male and female skeletons, as well as a mummy. Thrill-seekers will find it interesting to immerse themselves in the secrets of biology and medicine.
Crimean Academic Theater named after M. Gorky
The main cultural attraction is the M. Gorky Crimean Academic Theater. The theater building is an ancient architectural monument, erected in the style of classicism. Its facade is decorated with columns, bas-reliefs and sculptural compositions. The interior of the theater is mesmerizing. Marble staircases covered with carpets, statues, paintings, plant vases, shiny parquet flooring and magnificent chandeliers create a wonderful interior.
The theater has six stages, four of which are located inside the building, and two are located in the open air in the courtyard. The main hall, luxuriously decorated with stucco, consists of a parterre, a mezzanine, balconies and a box. The theater's repertoire offers viewers more than 60 performances of different genres and trends.
Crimean Academic Puppet Theater
The academic puppet theater is located in a cozy, quiet and calm green park of the central district. This cultural institution has been pleasing with bright performances for more than one generation of children and adults, since 1939. Throughout its long career, the theater has repeatedly won prizes at international festivals and competitions. The modest blue and white facade of the building is decorated with a portico with a triangular pediment, as well as two street lamps.
In front of the entrance to the theater there is a fountain, an alley of bushes and trees. Upon entering the lobby, visitors immediately experience a fairytale atmosphere. You can see an exhibition of dolls dressed in colorful costumes. Today the theater's repertoire includes about 40 performances. Here professional actors stage not only fairy tales and comedies, but also drama, opera, tragedy and even ballet. The Academic Puppet Theater is open to audiences of all ages.
Cinema "Simferopol"
Among the old buildings of the city, the cinema "Simferopol" is of interest. The architectural complex is deservedly one of the symbols of the capital of Taurida. The House of Cinema is included in the State Register of Monuments of Crimea. The two-hall cinema was erected in 1956. The structure impresses with its beautiful neoclassical façade. Two seventeen-meter towers are decorated with columns, a balustrade, high arched and rectangular window openings, and are also equipped with observation platforms.
The portal is decorated with bas-reliefs and framed by two massive columns. Today the cinema "Simferopol" does not fulfill its direct functions. Fairs are held in the spacious lobby of the complex.
Cinema Park "Viking"
Tourists are interested in a unique cultural and entertainment place where the atmosphere of an ancient settlement of a Scandinavian tribe is created. This is a Viking village located in the village of Perevalnoye between Simferopol and Alushta. The territory is the scenery used for the filming of the historic large-scale film project "Viking". An ensemble of buildings from the 8th-11th centuries has been recreated here with high precision of realism.
Around the perimeter of the square, surrounded by a palisade, there are wooden houses and watchtowers. Forges, stables, sheds, workshops, battlegrounds for training, agricultural fields, wells, a fireplace create an atmosphere of the early Middle Ages. Visitors to the park are given the opportunity to see the life of an ancient tribe, visit numerous workshops and learn the art of war.
Radio telescope TNA-400 in Shkolny
The first high-precision Soviet radio telescope TNA-400 was installed in the village of Shkolnoye, which is 20 kilometers from the city. Its main tasks were to coordinate communications with rockets, track spacecraft flights, and study the moon. It is thanks to this antenna complex with a diameter of 32 meters that unique images of the Earth satellite were obtained. The telescope served its purpose until the end of the 20th century. After the reduction of space programs, the complex fell into disrepair. It is hoped that the telescope and nearby polygons will be rebuilt in the near future.
Denisovskaya ostrich farm
There is an ostrich farm in the picturesque village of Denisovka. The vast territory contains more than 100 African ostriches of various age groups. In addition to exotic birds, ducks, swans, horses, peacocks, donkeys and pigs live here. Visitors to the farm can get acquainted with the culture and rules of animal breeding, as well as communicate with all the inhabitants of the farm. For tourists on the shore of the pond there are wooden gazebos where you can sit comfortably and enjoy the enchanting scenery of the forest. There is also a playground with slides, labyrinths and swings. Horse lovers can order a horse ride and drive into a green meadow, from where a panoramic view of the mountain ranges opens.
