Mount Mithridat - Historical and Archeological Museum - Tsar's Burial Mound - History of the Defense of the Adzhimushkay Quarry Museum

The Kerch peninsula is probably the only place in Crimea, where magnificent landscapes, azure sea and velvet beaches are not the key attractions. Kerch is Crimean peninsula's oldest town and its main treasures are original monuments of history and culture, gathered on its territory. A tour through local neighborhood is a unique opportunity to go 2,5 thousand years back and feel yourself a witness of antiquity.

It's better to start discovering Kerch from its historical nucleus - Mount Mithridat. One of Europe's oldest towns Panticapaeum stood on its top 26 centuries ago. Stroll along ancient streets, see centuries-old buildings' ruins, pillars' and statues' fragments, remains of dwelling and household buildings. And then, overcoming 400 steps of the Large Mithridat's Staircase, descent to the mountain's foot, where an accurate technological model of Goddess Demeter's vault is situated. The vault is the most famous and the only one survived until now monument of those times, which is famous for its priceless writings.

Thereafter remember to visit Kerch's Historical and Archeological Museum that is situated nearby and has one of the largest collections of unique exhibits from different ages. A huge number of items representing Bosporan Kingdom's culture - samples of local painting, architectural details - are kept here. Museum's rich archeological collections include original terracottas, painted ceramics, antique glass, ancient coins.

Then, head to Kerch's outskirts - Adzhimushkay settlement, where famous Tsar's Burial Mound, one of the best preserved monuments of burial architecture, is situated. The burial vault for one of Bosporian kings strikes with originality and perfection of its architectural forms: it consists of peculiar stone corridor and unusual for those times burial room. Located near the Tsar's Burial Mound, lapidarius - the unique collection of antiques - is also worth seeing.

Put the History of the Defense of the Adzhimushkay Quarry Museum next on your list. This is a unique military and historical monument that immortalized courage of Soviet soldiers, who during the Second World War held the line against German invaders here. Museum's collection consists of numerous military relicts, found during searching expeditions.

Follow up cognitive tours with a rest on one of Kerch's many beautiful beaches!