Eupatoria gained great popularity in the USSR times thanks to shallow coastal water, cozy sandy beaches and a comfortable climate. It was the all-union children's health resort for many years. And today it remains popular resort on the west coast of Crimea. But tourists are interested not only in beach holidays in this coastal city. The historical past, which accounts for 25 centuries, also attracts travelers there. And not only past. In Eupatoria there are many interesting tourist attractions, parks, museums and other places that are also worthy of attention.

"Small Jerusalem"

The "highlight" of Eupatoria is the "Small Jerusalem". We suggest starting a tour of this city exactly with this place. The route covers the historical part of Eupatoria, and allows you to see in several hours the cult places of different religions and to learn the centuries-old history of the city. And the ethnic character of the quarter with winding narrow streets and low buildings will help you plunge into the atmosphere of the past. You can walk along the route both as part of the tour and by yourself. And you can start this historical journey from several directions, including from the sea-side and from the Geslevsky Gate.

The Geslevsky Gate (Odun-Bazar kupusi) is the last remaining of five gates which led into this ancient city. This defensive structure was built here in the 15th century. Not far from the gate there is the only Muslim monastery (abode) of the Sufi monks in Crimea − Tekiyeh of dervishes. It was built in the XV-XVI centuries.

Вид на историческую часть ЕвпаторииEupatoria

Further on the route you can see the Surb (Saint) Nikogayos Armenian Church, built in 1820 from the smoothly trimmed blocks of white limestone, the medieval Turkish baths, the Jewish merchants’ synagogue of the 19th century, the acting synagogue of the Eghiya-Kapai, built here at the beginning of the 20th century, the apartment house of S. Duvan.

It is also necessary to visit the Karaite Kenassas − the ancient temple complex of Crimean Karaites − built in 1815.  It consists of a large and small Kenassa (prayer houses), a religious school (Midrash), a household yard, other internal yards and other parts.

There are other iconic places on the route. For example, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which is the largest Orthodox temple of Eupatoria. It was built at the end of the 19th century on the site of the decayed building of the Church of St. Nicholas of Mirliki. And nearby is the main mosque of the city − Juma-Jami. It was built in 1552 at the time of Khan Devlet I Geray. In the distance, on the seashore, stands the Greek temple of the beginning of the 20th century − the Church of the Prophet Elijah. It was built of sawn shell stone in the Greek-Byzantine style.

Duvanovskaya Street and Theater Square

This pedestrian street is close to the "Small Jerusalem" and is a popular promenade area.  In one direction it leads to the Gorky sea side street, in the other − to the Theater Square. The street was named after Semyon Duvan, who at the beginning of the 20th century was a city mayor and was known as one of the brightest representatives of the city self-government of the Taurida province.

There are several interesting landmarks in this promenade zone. Starting from the sea side, you should not pass by the museum of local lore, where items of the decorative and applied art of antiquity, the Middle Ages and the New Age are exposed. The museum is located in the former mansion of the entrepreneur Yufuda Gelelovich. Not far from it, under the glass pyramid, there are the remains of ancient Kerkinitida (the ancient name of Eupatoria), which were discovered here during construction work.

Раскопки на месте КеркинитидыExcavations at the site of Kerkinitida

Walking along Duvanovskaya Street, it is also worth paying attention to a number of beautiful buildings − the Sphinx and Lux villas, the house of Nakhshunov and others. After that, you will pass through the Lenin garden, in which a monument to the leader of the world proletariat was installed, art objects for lovers of photo sessions and the light-and-music fountain.

At this place Duvanovskaya Street ends at Theatrical square − the central square of Eupatoria. This is not just a beautiful place, but also the territory where many city festivals and holidays are held annually. On the square there are the building of the local administration and the city theater with a more than a hundred years history, named after A. Pushkin. At different times, Fyodor Shayapin, Konstantin Stanislavskiy, Evgeny Vakhtangov, Alexander Vertinskiy and other prominent actors performed at different times. And on the square there is a memorial wall with bas-reliefs, historical information about Eupatoria and "Eternal Flame", which was brought from Greece on the occasion of the 2500th anniversary of the city.

Театральная площадьTheatrical square

Krasnaya Gorka memorial complex

This memorial ensemble, located at the intersection of Victory Avenue and May 9 St., was installed at the place of the common grave of the victims of the Great Patriotic War − civilians and soldiers. This is a must to visit that place for those, who are interested in the heroic past of Crimea.

The Krasnaya Gorka is a park zone with an area where commemorative events are held annually, a mass grave of the victims of the fascist terror of 1941-1944 and several monuments – to the killed Eupatorians, the Mourning Mother and others. In 2009, the "Eternal Flame" was lit there, which was brought from the Sevastopol Sapun-Gora mountain.

Мемориал Красная горкаKrasnaya Gorka memorial complex

Museum map

A large number of traditional and unusual museums are concentrated in Eupatoria. Unfortunately, it is unrealistic to visit all of them in one day, but you can visit several.

Those who are interested in the sea theme can look at the Black Sea Pirates museum, located in the historical part of the resort. Here you will learn interesting facts about the lifestyle of pirates, their customs and rules, as well as trade and navigation in the Black Sea. In addition, you can see interesting artifacts. The museum is decorated in the style of a sailing ship.

Музей «Пираты Чёрного моря»The Black Sea Pirates museum

On the territory of the Alpine Rose dacha there is the miniature park with the same name. Here you can see small copies of 45 famous attractions of Crimea on a scale of 1:25. And in Eupatoria there is a museum of the history of the Crimean War, the Drag-store museum and other interesting facilities.

But these are not all the attractions mentioned that are worthy of the city guests attention. There is also an aquarium, the entrance to which is decorated in the style of a shark's mouth, a house upside down, a dolphinarium, a dinosaur park, a gallery of the actual art "TheHARASHO".

It is hardly possible to see all the sights of Eupatoria in one day, but many of them can be visited. Therefore, when planning a one-day visit to this beautiful resort city, make a trip program in advance. And Eupatoria will give you positive emotions and good memories.