Balaklava bay - is the eighth wonder of the world.At least, so say residents of the Crimea.They can accept, because it is really an extraordinary place.
Balaklava bay appeared as a result of tectonic fault.The entrance is located between Cape George and Kuron.The bay has a curved shape, it is hidden around the corner, almost invisible from the sea.The water in the bay is always calm, no matter what kind of storms have not raged on the high seas.This phenomenon is due to the natural shape of the bay.It resembles the letter S. Balaklava bay in Crimea, no doubt, is one of the most visited attractions.
Description
Bay is small - its length of 1,500 meters and a maximum width - 425 meters.Depth Balaklava bay varies in different parts of from 5 to 36 meters.The narrow winding entrance to the harbor makes it almost invisible from the sea.With this Balaklava bay has long been not just a refuge from the enemies, but also protection from storms.Another such no natural harbor on the Black Sea.
history
Beach Balaklava Bay people inhabited since time immemorial.In the VI century BCWe lived here fierce brand, much later in these places settled by the ancient Greeks.They gave the name of the bay Syumbolon Limen, which means "harbor characters omens."
It was in this bay brave Odysseus and his comrades met bloodthirsty Listrigony.Many experts believe that this was the same tribe Tauris that lived here since antiquity.Tees lived by the sea and actually had severe temper.Unclear the question of whether he could describe Homer Balaklava Bay.While the researchers did not find documentary evidence of this.Mention of this wonderful place are found in the works of reputable authors, who lived in the first century AD - Arrian, Strabo, Pliny the Elder, Ptolemy.But none of them mentioned any settlement, especially on the city.
In the XVII century Russia became powerful empire, and she began a serious struggle for access to the Black Sea to Turkey.Monitor the situation in Tauris with Russia in 1772.Historically, the important point was the naval battle at Balaclava (1773), which the brave Russian sailors to have won the honor of the Turks, although the preponderance of force was on the side of the enemy.
In 1774, Russia signed a treaty of peace, Turkey officially recognized the independence of the Crimean peninsula.In 1783 Catherine II signed a decree on joining the Crimea to Russia.
during the Crimean War Balaklava Bay were British soldiers.The British built the first of the Crimean peninsula railroad.In the town of Balaklava appeared hotels, shops, places of entertainment.They were built on both sides of the marina bay.
During the Second World War for the Nazis was a desirable prey Crimea.Balaklava bay with very convenient harbor was very attractive for the Germans.To grab it, the Nazis sent the 72nd Infantry Division, supported by tanks.
first assault battalion of the NKVD tried to reflect that erupted in the city in early November 1941, soldiers 514 th Regiment of the Maritime Army and Marines.With the huge losses the defenders retreated to the Genoese fortress.As in the ancient fortress Cembalo was the last defensive bastion of Balaklava.
defenders of the fortress, took up defensive positions on November 20 in a few months reflected up to 70 fascists attacks, while not losing a single soldier.In April 1944, the Soviet army approached the defensive positions of the enemy, and already April 18 the city was liberated.
Postwar After the war, life in this picturesque corner changed.Changed and Balaklava bay.Naval Submarine Base was established in this hidden from prying eyes spot.Balaklava was one of the secret military bases in the USSR.Placed here submarine in the 60s equipped with nuclear weapons.In the interior of the rock on the western shore of the bay built a secret factory for the repair of submarines.
Balaklava and Balaklava bay
This small town is located near Sevastopol, in a small bay of the same name, hidden rocky mountains.The long and rich history and beautiful nature in this place involve scientists, researchers and tourists.History Balaklava has more than 2500 years, although some scientists believe that the city is much older.
In ancient times, this town was well beyond the Crimea.This is evidenced by the Greek, Arabic, Polish geographers and travelers.There is a theory that the Balaklava - this is the most legendary port Listrigon Lamos, known for Greek mythology as a habitat ogres, encountered Odysseus and his companions while wandering.The beauty of this place is unique: a unique natural monument - Ayia capes and Fiolent, Chembalo ruins, ancient and mysterious temples, covered with beautiful legends, will not leave anyone indifferent.
At the end of the XIX century balaclava began to develop as a resort.There were built cottages Yusupov and Gagarin, Earl Naryshkin, luxury villa prince Apraksin.The first mud baths in the city was opened in 1888, and in 1896 there appeared the first power plant.
By 1911, Balaklava was two rural and one rural school, four churches, a post office, a hospital, a cinema, library, city council, city club, drama theater.Citizens were engaged in tobacco growing and viticulture, fishing, mining of lime and building stone.
Since 1921 Balaklava Balaklava district was the center of the Crimean autonomy.Since 1957, Balaklava is a part of the city of Sevastopol and is the center of its largest area - Balaklava.
Nowadays Balaklava attracts tourists and travelers for its cultural and historical heritage.Every year there is a traditional international regatta "Kyra".Before the fortress Cembalo held jousting tournaments.Diving enthusiasts will be delighted, to discover the wonderful and fascinating underwater world of these places.
Balaklava bay - a great place for those who want to escape from the city.You can take the necessary clothes and food, and on a boat or a boat to cross to the wild beach, which is located directly in the rocks.
Balaklava Bay, Balaklava attractions
Typically, guests explore the city's attractions begin with an underground base of submarines, which was a top-secret during the Cold War.
It was used for the repair and maintenance of submarines.There is also a store of nuclear weapons.It is the largest declassified military facility.
plant was built in the mountain Tavros.It is able to withstand a nuclear attack 100-kiloton bomb, it housed 3,000 workers.Today it is a naval museum "Balaklava".There is also an exhibition Sheremetievs "Crimean War".
Cembalo Fortress
This fortification was built by the Genoese.The slopes and the summit of Mount Catron (Greek name) hold fortifications.Today, the main tower of the fortress virtually destroyed.To Cembalo Fortress are artificially created trails and staircases, which originate from the waterfront Nazukina.
Ayia
This Cape South Coast of the Crimea near Balaklava.Its name comes from a Greek word that literally translates as "holy".This steep ledge, reaching the base of Mount Kush-Kaya, its highest point is Kokiya Kiya (557 meters).
At the foot of Cape Aya is a grotto, which has long been used by sailors of the Black Sea Fleet to adjust zeroing and naval guns.
cape covered with woodland, which is unique Mediterranean plants (about 500 species).The fauna of this area is quite varied - stone marten, weasel, deer, gornokrymskaya fox, wild boar, leopard runner.
Since 1982, at Cape organized landscape reserve.
Temple of the Twelve Apostles
It is the oldest religious building of the Orthodox Church in Crimea is very close to the waterfront of Balaklava.Temple portal is decorated with a colonnade.In Soviet times the church was closed, the service there was only carried out during World War II.After the great victory in the premises of the temple is the House of Pioneers and the club Osoaviakhim.Only in the 90 years the church was returned to the Orthodox Church, but then began large-scale restoration work.
temple is small in size but rich light.It expands the space and makes the greatness of the white walls, which do not have any decoration.
kept in the temple pieces of the relics of Blessed Basil and St. Sergius of Radonezh.
