Alupka is a resort town on the southern coast of Crimea, located at the foot of Mount Ai-Petri. The history of the city began back in 960. Then it was under Khazar rule and was called Alubka. Later (in the 14th-15th centuries) the village came under the rule of the Genoese, who owned most of the settlements on the peninsula. They gave him a new name - Lupico.
Interesting fact: Lupiko translates as “fox hole,” and fox holes are known to be underground and well protected from attackers. The city of Lupico was precisely one of the stronghold military points of the Genoese.
At the end of the 15th century, Lupico was captured by the Ottoman Empire. The city was under her rule for almost 100 years. During the Crimean Wars, the peninsula was annexed by the Russian Empire and was transferred to the power of Prince Grigory Potemkin. In 1823, the Alupka territories came into the possession of Prince Mikhail Vorontsov.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Alupka began to actively develop as a resort; the 20-30s can safely be called “golden” for the city. During this time, as many as 22 health resorts were built in Alupka, which were visited at different times by Fyodor Chaliapin, Valery Bryusov, Maxim Gorky, Ivan Bunin, Lesya Ukrainka, Mikhail Kotsyubinsky, Sergei Rachmaninov and many others. During the Second World War, Alupka suffered from hostilities. Many buildings in the city were destroyed, but the most iconic and important objects remained untouched.
There are many interesting places around Alupka that you can get to in less than an hour: these are Simeiz and its rocks, the palaces of Koreiz, and, of course, Yalta and its Swallow's Nest.
Vorontsovsky Park
Next to the palace there is a luxurious park, which covers an area of 40 hectares. It was founded at the same time as the palace. Rare species of plants were brought here from different parts of the planet, which are still preserved and delight the eyes of everyone who walks along the cozy alleys of the park.
You can see for yourself all the richness of flora that this park is endowed with. In total, over 200 species of trees and shrubs grow here. Also on the territory of the complex there are waterfalls, fountains, and lakes.
The Naryshkin estate is a family estate
- Address: Alupkinskoe highway, 15b.
The ancient building, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is perfectly preserved and is available to tourists in almost its original form. The walls of the mansion have seen the fates of entire generations and probably keep many family secrets. From the outside, the estate looks like a fairytale castle, so against the backdrop of the estate you get incredibly beautiful photos; a more detailed description of the Alupka attraction can also be found on our website.
Interesting places in Alupka are unique and varied. Even a whole vacation is not enough to travel around and see them all, so vacationers return to the town again and again!
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Greater and Lesser Chaos
In the eastern part of Vorontsovsky Park you can see the Big and Small Stone Chaos. They were formed by nature itself from huge blocks of stone as a result of the activity of volcanoes and the movement of tectonic plates many centuries ago. During the construction of the palace and park complex, they decided to harmoniously fit this chaos into the overall design, laying paths here and arranging cozy romantic places to relax.
City interesting places
Alupka, the sights and interesting places of the city give every tourist the opportunity to independently get acquainted with the architecture and history of the Crimean pearl.
Vorontsov Palace
The creation of the English architect Edward Blore, who spent a year developing a majestic project in order to later demonstrate it to Count Vorontsov, the future owner. This is the most important decoration of the city at all times. Construction began in 1828 and lasted 20 years. In addition to the count, other representatives of the nobility owned the estate, but in 1921 the palace was transferred to state ownership.
The structure was built from diabase, an extremely strong stone that is stronger than granite. It was mined on the Crimean Peninsula, so there was no shortage of building materials. The peculiarity of this Alupka attraction is that it is decorated in different architectural styles: from the north - English, from the south - Moorish, and the general one - neo-Gothic. The Vorontsov Palace, which occupies a place of honor among the attractions of Alupka and the surrounding area, has been featured in cinematography more than once: films based on Shakespeare’s plays were shot on the territory of the count’s estate.
The building consists of five parts, where the library, dining room, chapel, billiard room and winter garden are located. In total there are 150 rooms in the palace. Every tourist who finds himself on the territory of the Vorontsov Palace will want to take a photo with the marble lions located on the southern part of the estate - the Lion Terrace. Inside the palace, which has now been converted into a museum, there is furniture, porcelain, and collections of paintings of historical value.
Vorontsovsky Park
Spread over the territory of the Vorontsov Palace with an area of 40 hectares, complementing this architectural splendor - this is one of the attractions of Alupka that is worth visiting. The territory for the park was planned and laid out back in 1828 in the form of an amphitheater, where severity and tenderness would harmoniously combine. The length is 1 kilometer, the width is half a kilometer. It was created by Karl Kebach, a German gardener. About 200 plants from all over the Earth are planted here: shrubs, trees and herbs. The Aleppo pine, a tree that always tends to turn its branches to the south, is of genuine interest. The park is famous for its 22 fountains and 10 artificial waterfalls, created by bringing water from the mountains.
The upper part of Vorontsovsky Park is a rather harsh and rocky place with wild nature, which has practically not been touched by human hands. Here there are glades with different names: Chestnut, Platonovaya, Sunny or Contrast. The upper park is also decorated with the Trilby fountain (as legend says, that was the name of Count Vorontsov’s dog), and three lakes: Trout, Swan or Mirror. The last reservoir was formed independently thanks to a spring. In the center of Swan Lake there is a fountain where these birds live.
But in the Lower Park, sophisticated and elegant, you can admire lakes, pavilions, fountains, magnolias or cypresses. The influence of the Italian Renaissance style is especially noticeable here. In the Lower Park there are always swans that easily make contact with people if you feed them dandelions or grass. There is also a Lion's Terrace with six animal sculptures - something you can see in Alupka and the surrounding area on your own.
Greater and Lesser Chaos
An amazing natural formation on the territory of Vorontsovsky Park, consisting of large pieces of diabase stone, the height of which reaches 10 meters. You can find Chaos in the Upper Park. It arose as a result of volcanic eruptions, when the territory of the modern city was formed. During the construction of the Vorontsov Palace, they decided to leave the stone blocks and make them part of the landscape: paths are paved here, and there are rest areas near the waterfalls.
The Vorontsov Palace along with the park and Chaos on the map of Crimea is located at the address: Dvortsovoye Highway, 18.
Sea Animal Theater
An amazing place where different representatives of the fauna live, possessing a variety of skills. On the territory of the theater there is a thirteenth house, built in reverse: all its parts are turned upside down, so that a tourist can walk on the ceiling, trying not to catch the chandeliers.
Temple of Alexander Nevsky
An Orthodox shrine built in 1913 in honor of the prince. During Soviet times it was closed to visitors. It is classified as a relatively new temple.
Located at: st. Lenina, 60.
Temple of the Archangel Michael
The oldest shrine of Christianity in the city, created in 1841 in the New Byzantine style with the money of Count Vorontsov. In 1927, the temple was destroyed by an earthquake and then closed by the Soviet authorities. Reconstruction was completed in 2008.
Located at: st. Lenina, 4.
In Alupka, among the attractions are the beaches: Frog and Cape Verde. Here the whole family and children can go on various rides: “tablets”, “bananas”, water slides. There is diving on Frog, and both beaches offer boat trips.
Sea Animal Theater
Not far from Alupka, in the village of Vinogradnoye, Bakhchisarai highway, 17-A, there is the Aquatoria Marine Animal Theater. Many families with children come here during their holidays in Greater Yalta.
Here you can watch an amazing show with the participation of dolphins, walruses, sea lions and fur seals. And then you can visit the unusual House No. 13, which was built upside down, and take unusual photos as a souvenir.
Alupka beaches
- Vorontsov baths are considered the city beach of Alupka. Located directly under Vorontsovsky Park.
- The children's beach is located a little away from the Vorontsov baths near the Tea House. It is formed by huge stones and is divided into two parts. There is a gentle entrance to the water, shallow depth and comfortable small pebbles. Therefore, the sea here is always a little warmer.
- The Cote d'Azur is located in the center of Alupka near the bus station. This beach is known for its beautiful sea water with a turquoise hue.
- Cape Verde is an excellent natural small-pebble beach.
- Frog is the most remote of Alupka’s beaches, named after a rock reminiscent of this amphibian. It is considered one of the most beautiful and convenient beaches in the city.
Wuchang-Su Waterfall
Not far from Alupka there is a picturesque Uchan-Su waterfall. You can find it on the road to Mount Ai-Petri. Once here, you will see a large stream of silvery water rushing down from a height of 100 meters. It is better to come here after rains or melting snow, when the waterfall is at its fullest.
Shaan-Kaya rock – a paradise for climbers
- Coordinates: 44°26′8″N (44.435659), 34°1′10″E (34.019346).
The Shaan-Kaya rock, or “Shanghai” as the Crimeans call it, attracts mountaineering and rock climbing enthusiasts from all over the country – all thanks to its height (871 m) and the location of the slope. There are many routes of varying degrees of difficulty along this slope. Mountain climbing competitions are often held here. Just nearby there is a lake of amazing beauty, attracting lovers of natural picturesque corners.
Mount Ai-Petri
While relaxing in Alupka, you can climb Mount Ai-Petri using the cable car. Rising to a height of more than 1200 meters, you can admire the magnificent landscapes of the southern coast of Crimea.
On the upper plateau you can take beautiful photos, visit the Three-Eyes Cave, the Silver Gazebo, or just sit in one of the oriental cafes, where you will be offered delicious national dishes and drinks.
How to get around the city
The town is small enough that you can easily stroll around on foot. You can walk through the entire city along the coast in just 1.5-2 hours. There is only one bus running around the city, the route is a loop, and it is used very rarely. A more convenient form of transport is intercity buses, which can be used to get to Koreiz, Simeiz, Yalta and Miskhor. On average, the cost of travel on this route will be 30-50 rubles.
Things are not going well with taxis. Large companies most often perform the role of transfer between the airport, railway station and large cities. As for moving around the city, the cost will be 20-30 rubles per kilometer. Private services are even more expensive, and the cost of the trip will depend on how negotiations with the driver go. Those who love active sports will enjoy cycling. You can rent such a vehicle for 150 rubles per hour or 600 per day. But it will be quite difficult for unprepared tourists to move around the foothills of Ai-Petri.
Tasting room "Massandra"
Connoisseurs of this noble drink can visit the wine tasting room. It is located at the address: Palace Highway, 26. It was opened back in 1936. Here you will be offered to try famous Crimean wines, including rare varieties. Estimated cost* of tasting: from 170 to 600 rubles.
*prices may change, check at the box office
Amet Khan Sultan Museum
In Alupka you can visit the Amet-Khan Sultan Museum, which is located on the street. Yaltinskaya, 22. Here you can learn about the heroic fate of the pilot who shot down more than 30 enemy aircraft during the Great Patriotic War. Museum visitors will be able to see his personal belongings, photographs, and awards. Estimated cost* of a ticket is 50 rubles.
*prices may change, check at the box office
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- Where in Crimea you can relax with a dog
- Beaches in Alupka
Temple of the Archangel Michael: description of the newly revived church
- Address: Sanatorium impasse, 4.
The temple, built at the beginning of the 20th century, is rightfully considered a real symbol of Alupka. The head of the construction project was H.V. Vasiliev, a well-known admirer of the Byzantine style in architecture. The construction was financed from donations, so it took quite a long time. During the earthquake of 1927, the building was seriously damaged, it was abandoned and gradually looted. And in 1991 it again became part of the Russian Orthodox Church, and since then work has been underway to restore it.
Museum of Crimean Tatar Culture – living history of Alupka and Crimea
- Address: Rosa Luxemburg street, 30
The museum was founded in 1992 and was originally an art gallery where the works of Crimean Tatar artists were exhibited. Over time, it was filled with other exhibits related to the history of the people, their culture and traditions. Today there is a unique collection of works of art, ancient household items, decorative art, and entire exhibitions telling about the life of the Crimean Tatars.
