22 sights of Belogorsk that are worth seeing

Tourist holidays in Crimea are not only seaside. The steppe city of Belogorsk in the eastern part of Crimea will not leave indifferent lovers of history, ancient legends and stunningly beautiful views. This is where the famous White Rock is located, which millions of moviegoers saw in the films “The Man from the Boulevard des Capuchins”, “The Headless Horseman”, “The Leader of the Redskins”, “Business People”, The Apocalypse Code”, “Escape to the End of the World” - the list is long continue. Europe's largest safari park, Taigan, is also located here.

Before the Great Patriotic War, the city was called Karasubazar, which meant “black water market.” The Karasu River still exists. Belogorsk was the capital of Crimea twice and the population even exceeded Bakhchisarai, the capital of the Crimean Khanate. The ruins of the Tash-Khan Caravanserai take us back to the 15th century, when Belogorsk was a strategic point on the trade route. The city is interesting primarily for its history.

It was a city of all religions - there were 22 mosques, several synagogues, two Orthodox, an Armenian and even a Catholic church. The Armenian population contributed greatly to the economic prosperity of the city. Belogorsk was also the main city of the Crimean people.

Belogorye attracts artists, filmmakers, athletes, hunters, and now everyone who cares about wild nature to Crimea - the Taigan safari park has no analogues in Europe.

In 2021, the news spread throughout the world that an ancient cave was discovered in the Belogorsk region during the construction of the Tavrida highway. The remains of a mastodon, a giant ostrich and rhinoceros, an ancient bison, a camel, a deer and even a saber-toothed homotherium were found here. In 2021, the Tavrida cave will become available for mass visits.

The city was inhabited by Crimean Tatars for many centuries, but after the Second World War Russians and Ukrainians moved here. About 20,000 people live in the city, Russians are numerically dominant.

This is a quiet, cozy, thoughtful city. Time seems to have stopped here. There is no industry, large enterprises or universities here; life here is measured.

How to get there?

Both in ancient times and today, the city remains a transit city. The construction of the Tavrida federal highway, which runs through the city, is almost 100% complete. Accordingly, you can get to Belogorsk both from the Russian mainland along the Crimean Bridge, and from the west of Crimea. However, you can create a route from anywhere on the peninsula by car or public transport.

The easiest way to get there is from Simferopol, since buses and minibuses run regularly and frequently between it and Belogorsk. From any train station or bus station in Simferopol there is transport to Belogorsk.

From Simferopol airport you can get to the railway station and then transfer to a bus. There are also direct buses from Simferopol airport to Belogorsk. The cost of a taxi is from 500 rubles (if several passengers are traveling) to 1,500 rubles.

The best attractions in the vicinity of Belogorsk:

Equestrian tourist base "Horse's Move"

A variety of horseback riding to the sights of the area will not leave tourists of all ages indifferent. The staff even offers horseback riding. Also at the base there is a bathhouse and an eco-farm, a guest house and a hotel. Legal fishing, hunting and excursions are possible. There are many ponds and forests in the surrounding area where you can walk.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Krasnaya Sloboda, st. Druzhby, 1A

Cost: horseback riding from 500 rubles, accommodation from 3000 rubles. per day

Official website: https://hodkonem-crimea.ru/konnaya-baza-otdykha

Red beam

This is the name of the area with beautiful wild peonies at the foot of the White Rock. They bloom in late April-May, intoxicating with their fabulous aroma. This place will be very interesting not only for its extraordinary beauty, but also from the archaeological side.

Thousands of years ago, bison and mammoths lived here. The remains of Neanderthals have even been found. There are many grottoes in Krasnaya Balka.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. White Rock

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Cost: free entry

Armenian Church of the Savior

The temple is a monument of medieval architecture. The abandoned ruins of an ancient Armenian church look very unusual. The building itself had three entrances and carved stone walls. Despite the global destruction, well-preserved details can be seen. These are steps, ornaments, images from the Gospel that can be looked at endlessly.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Rich

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Cost: free entry

Kurgan Kemi-Oba

In Soviet times, this place was studied in detail by scientists, and huge amounts of money were spent. Previously it consisted of two mounds. Kemi-Oba is a burial ground; structures and numerous human remains were discovered underneath it. Burial boxes made from oak logs were found. We are talking about burials from the time before our era.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Cost: free entry

Scythian ancient settlement Ak-Kaya

The structure from the time before our era underwent various modifications, fires and destruction. It is a historical monument where archaeological work is still ongoing. This is a huge fortress made of very thick stone walls.

Thousands of years ago, major trade routes passed through it. The remains of towers, crypts, gates, and dishes were found here. Undoubtedly, tourists will be interested in visiting this mysterious place.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Cherry

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Cost: free entry

Cheremisovskie waterfalls

Waterfalls that are interesting from a geological point of view are best visited in spring or autumn. During the hot period, they dry out significantly, like most reservoirs in the south. The waterfalls of Love and Youth are especially popular, because... There are legends about them. The places are accessible for walking for almost any tourist.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, Povorotnoe village

Orthodox St. Nicholas Church

The Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was erected in memory of those killed in the Crimean War. The temple in the form of a pyramid was built at the Fraternal Cemetery. Under St. Nicholas Church there are underground passages.

Also important for Orthodox Christians is the presence of the relics of many saints (St. George the Victorious, Nicholas the Wonderworker, St. Andrew the First-Called, etc.) in it. Inside, the walls are decorated with beautiful icons and luxurious mosaics.

Address: Rosa Luxemburg street, 19, Simferopol

Official website: https://svyatonikolsky-hram.ru/

Canyon Kok-Asan

The canyon is a 3 km long gorge cut by a river. The place requires walking, there is little water in the river. The maximum height of the walls reaches 30m. There are a lot of waterfalls of various shapes and heights. You can swim in their pools.

It is worth choosing comfortable shoes for the road, as there will be bumps along the way. It's always cool in the canyon, even in summer. It is possible to take a tour.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Cost: free

Karab-Yayla

This mountain range is located 1000 km above sea level and covers an area of 120 square meters. km. A special feature is the unique relief. Thousands of caves, underground passages, funnels, stones - tourists have plenty of places to roam.

Rivers flow between the Karabi mountains, and in the upper reaches of one of them there is a series of beautiful waterfalls. The place is protected by the state. Excursions are organized. You need to know the weather conditions in advance.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Alushta, Generalskoe village

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Cost: free

Buzluk-Koba

This is one of the Karabi ice caves. The entrance to it is a funnel. The cave has a vertical shape and goes deep into the ground. The indescribable beauty of the ice openwork, ancient snow that is more than 2 thousand years old, contrasting moss, sculptures created by nature and much more that will captivate your spirit.

Even in summer, the temperature inside is approximately 1 degree Celsius. It is better to visit this place with a guide.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Alushta, Generalskoe village

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Cost: free

Taigan Reservoir

The largest artificial reservoir on the peninsula. Beautiful scenery, and, most importantly, fishing for many species of fish. The reservoir has become fairly shallow since its creation, but avid fishermen from all over the world have not lost interest in it. You can only fish with a fishing rod.

Poaching actions are punishable by hefty fines, as well as the inability to visit the reservoir in the future.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district

Opening hours: 24 hours a day (except during spawning times)

Cost: free

Greek Settlement Museum

One of the rural houses was converted into a 19th century Crimean Greek home, where everything was thought out to the smallest detail. Household and wardrobe items, art, photographs and documentation are displayed here.

A museum employee will tell you about Greek traditions and the way of life of that time. There will be an opportunity to participate in a staged event, get acquainted with folklore, and try the cuisine. In the center of the village is the Church of St. Helena and Constantine, built in 1913.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Chernopolye, st. Sadovaya, 1

Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 17:00

Cost: free

Official website: https://belogorskiy.rk.gov.ru/ru/structure/19

Toplovsky Convent

In the vicinity of the monastery, many ruins of ancient Russian, Greek and Armenian churches were found. According to legend, such a cluster of holy places is not without reason. You can take a tour and even have lunch at the monastery. On the territory there are temples, chapels, relics of saints, fonts, a refectory and a hotel. The schedule of services can be found on the website.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. Topolevka

Opening hours: from 6:00

Website: https://www.toplovskyi.ru

White Rock

The unique white rock wall, formed as a result of wind and erosion, is located 300m above sea level. Picturesque landscapes open up to tourists who visit the White Rock natural monument. In the center there is a mysterious cave, about which there are legends.

On the way to the place you need to take precautions, as it is at an altitude of 100 m. It is worth choosing stable shoes and clothing suitable for the scorching sun. At the foot of the cliff you can ride horses.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsky district, village. White Rock

Creations of nature

The surroundings of Belogorsk are recommended for those who prefer active recreation. Here you should climb mountains and climb into caves. The landscape of the area is very original and diverse, thanks to which it has been repeatedly featured in films, successfully depicting various exotic corners. A number of photos of the sights of Belogorsk (especially the White Rock) are also known to those who have not been to Crimea.

White Rock (Ak-Kaya)

Coordinates on the map: 45.097298, 34.637664.

This place is one of the most recognizable in Crimea and a symbol of Belogorsk. The white color is due to the geological composition, and the complex shapes of the steep walls are made by water and air erosion.

The unusual appearance of the Ak-Kaya rock has repeatedly attracted the attention of filmmakers to it, and the mountain range with a height of just under 300 m constantly had to play the Wild West. Its own history is also quite “wild”: it is believed that the Turks dumped prisoners from it who were not suitable for slavery and were not redeemed by relatives.

Allegedly, even the young B. Khmelnitsky was brought here to “admire” this spectacle and think about the need to quickly raise money for his own ransom (this was in 1620).

Karabi-yayla

Coordinates: 44.882257, 34.520819.

Yaylami in Crimea are called flat highlands. Karabi-yayla is the leader in area - 113 square meters. km. The top of the highlands is an incredible land of stone - there is little life there, but there are many geological forms. The mountain is riddled with underground tunnels - 235 caves were discovered in the massif (most are inaccessible to non-specialists or are generally poorly explored).

The array is popular among fans of various “cosmogonic” theories. They say that on its surface there are images of butterflies laid out in huge boulders (which can only be seen from at least a bird's eye view). To go here, it is better for inexperienced tourists to get a guide - there are many dangerous places on the plateau, and it’s easy to get lost in an unusual environment.

Cheremisovskie waterfalls

Coordinates: 44.933057, 34.700789.

We are talking about an amazingly beautiful cascade of waterfalls in a canyon carved by the Kuchuk-Karasu River. The valley is narrow, with difficult terrain. Therefore, to visit the Cheremisovsky waterfalls you need more or less decent physical shape.

You should dress relatively warmly - it is noticeably colder at the bottom of the gorge than in the open area. The gorge is protected, but several tourist routes are laid across its territory.

The waterfalls are relatively small, but picturesque and there are many of them. At their feet, water has carved out “baths” in the bottom - peculiar deep ponds, to which tradition has given romantic names. It is best to visit the attraction in the spring – in the summer the Kuchuk-Karasu River dries up.

Uskut waterfalls

Coordinates: 44.885018, 34.678489.

There are as many as 7 waterfalls on the Uskut River. They are not distinguished by record height and power, but they are beautiful in their own way. In general, Uskut waterfalls are not a popular tourist destination.

There are no equipped places for rest and observation platforms near them. The walk requires some physical preparation (no special skills are needed) and caution: there is a high risk of slipping on wet stones.

It is better to explore these Crimean waterfalls in the spring, since the river dries up in the summer. This walk can be recommended to tourists who want to take a break from civilization and climb into untouched places.

Cave of Tauris

Coordinates: 45.043125, 34.283914.

A normal visit to this attraction will have to wait a little - the cave, just over a kilometer long, will only be opened in 2021. Its name was given not in honor of ancient Crimean history, but for a completely modern reason - the pioneers of the karst cavity were the builders of the Tavrida highway.

Now the section of the roadway above the Tavrida cave is being strengthened in order to preserve it. The arrangement of the cavity for visiting has already been planned. Scientists have discovered bones of ancient animals, in particular a mastodon, in underground galleries.

What to visit in Belogorsk for free:

Suvorov oak

This tree is more than 800 years old, its trunk diameter is more than 4 m, and its height is approximately 19 m. The oak is called the Suvorov oak because, according to legend, negotiations between the great A. Suvorov and the Turkish representative took place under the oak tree during the Russian-Turkish war. Details can be found on the boards installed on the territory. There is an opportunity to rest on benches.

Address: Republic of Crimea, village. Apple

Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Cost: free

Cathedral Mosque named after. Refata Veliullah

Built in 2015 and is the only one in the city, because... the previous ones were destroyed. The dome was decorated by the best Tatar artists, the wall decor was made by hand. Capacity up to 500 people. The mosque is recognized as the most beautiful on the peninsula. An Islamic school is located in the basement.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk, st. Lunacharskogo, 16

Official website: https://svyatonikolsky-hram.ru/

Interesting places created by man and nature

Everyone is already tired of talking about the harmful effects of human activity on nature. Yes, this happens, but behind this peculiar panic, everyone somehow forgot that nature and man can act together. There are interesting places in the Belogorsk region, equally interesting to fans of wildlife and lovers of history and folklore. Everyone benefits from such cooperation.

Lake Taigan (Taigan Reservoir)

Coordinates: 45.034974, 34.584016.

This is not a natural object, but a man-made one. But over the many years of its existence, the reservoir managed to turn into a full-fledged lake. It is one of the oldest in Crimea - construction was completed in 1938.

Taigan has an almost circular shape, but its shores are indented by numerous small coves.

The lake is relatively shallow (of course, in comparison with other Crimean reservoirs, the depth of which can exceed 70 m); there are many areas on the banks with a gentle entrance, convenient for swimming. But fishermen visit it more actively than others - there are a lot of fish in Taigan, you can’t complain about the bite.

Belogorsk Reservoir

Coordinates: 45.020685, 34.598164.

This large artificial lake was built in 1970 to supply water to Belogorsk. After the closure of the North Crimean Canal, its water was largely redirected to Feodosia and Sudak, which is why the reservoir became very shallow. But nature came to the rescue - the subsequent snowy winters filled it again.

The shores of the Belogorsk Reservoir have long been a favorite vacation spot for residents of Belogorsk and Simferopol. Swimming there is not very convenient (the banks are mostly steep and clayey), but just spending time in a beautiful place is also nice. The reservoir is popular for fishing - there are a lot of fish in it, the fish bite well, and you don’t have to pay for the pleasure.

Safari Park "Taigan"

Address: Lavender str., 1.

If the outskirts of Belogorsk can play the Wild West, why not try themselves in the role of the African savannah? It seems, by the way. That is why the largest zoo nursery in Europe appeared here.

In addition to lions and tigers, giraffes, antelopes, monkeys and many other animals live on the territory of Taigan. There is a petting zoo for children, where children can play with harmless tame animals. Meanwhile, adults will feel like participants in a safari no worse than the British Prince Consort (who doesn’t know - this is the favorite pastime of the husband of the reigning Queen of England).

Recently, rumors have spread across Crimea about the prosecution of Taigan, allegedly due to insufficient security guarantees. But local residents are outraged: if a person does not want to take care of himself, no one will protect him. Therefore, there is hope that the park will continue to delight guests.

Suvorov oak

Coordinates: 45.079832, 34.618657.

The tree is considered both a natural and historical monument. The huge tree is hundreds of years old, so the legendary field marshal could really sit comfortably in its shade.

A historical legend says that under an oak tree Suvorov once negotiated with a certain Turkish Pasha (there was another Russian-Turkish war). And it was here that the commander invented the apt, although not too subtle, expression “bite it!” Allegedly, Suvorov responded to the Pasha’s intimidation by the size of the Turkish army, and they were offered to “bite” a pod of hot pepper, squeezed between the index and middle fingers.

The Suvorov oak is sometimes also called Lukomorye. Although there is no sea nearby, the tree really looks like the one described by Pushkin. A mermaid and a golden chain are missing, but there are more than enough scientist cats.

Kara-Murza Cave

Coordinates: 44.921750, 34.558119.

This attraction is intended for skilled people - speleologists and climbers. The cave is a large crack-shaft leading to a large underground grotto.

But ordinary tourists will also be interested in simply visiting the entrance to the cave. Because there are many colorful legends about her. One of them explains the appearance of the name (“Kara-Murza” can be translated as “black baron”). Allegedly, the Tatar version of Count Dracula was once the ruler of these places. But one day the villain disappeared while walking in the mountains, and soon the residents found a crack in the cave.

Since then, everyone passing by throws a stone there so that the evil spirit does not get out. A tourist is also not prohibited from doing this. And by the way: speleologists did find a human skull in the cave...

On topic: Caves of Crimea

Kiik-Koba Cave

Coordinates: 44.966727, 34.350201.

It was opened in 1924. The cave is a shallow grotto in the slope of the canyon of the Zui River (in its upper reaches). Kiik-Koba has been considered a natural monument since 1947. But it is interesting as a historical object.

The fact is that the largest and oldest (probably) Neanderthal site on the territory of Crimea was discovered in the cave. Archaeologists found thick layers of fire pits (layers of ash and coal, wood and bone), about 500 flint tools and the burial of a woman and child. The legendary anthropologist Gerasimov then worked on the found bones, presenting to the public true portraits of the ancient inhabitants of Crimea.

The cave is not easy to find - the paths here are not well-trodden, and the entrance is small. But you can safely examine it - it is small, it is impossible to get lost. On the walls you can still see ancient ocher paintings depicting animals that lived in Crimea 100 thousand years ago.

When visiting, you should not touch anything, much less take anything with you - an uninitiated person is unlikely to distinguish a Mousterian core from an ordinary stone. Don't know what a nucleus is? So don't touch anything!

Where to go in Belogorsk and what else to see:

Night club-bar “White Stone”

This modern nightclub is one of the best places in the city. Various events take place here and famous DJs come here. Varied bar list and menu. Young people and others enjoy visiting the dance floors of this establishment. Both tourists and locals relax in the vibrant White Stone nightclub and leave only worthy reviews.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk, st. Lunacharskogo, 46

Belogorsk Museum of History and Local Lore

The large museum includes 4 halls and 8 departments. Historical and modern exhibits are presented here. The museum includes art objects, excavations, weapons, tools and much more related to the city and region.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk, st. Lunacharskogo, 48

Opening hours: Tue. — Fri. from 9.00 to 18.00; Sat. — Sun. from 10.00 to 17.00; Mon. - day off. The last Friday of every month is sanitary day

Cost: from 80 rub. — adult, from 30 rub. - children's

Safari Park Taigan

The vast territory of the park is home to more than 60 lions of various species. They can be observed from bridges, the length of which is about 1 km. It is better to spend at least a day here, because the lions can hide from the sun and will not be visible.

There is a hotel, places where you can eat delicious food, a Ferris wheel from which you can admire gorgeous views - the famous White Rock and the Taigan Reservoir.

Address: Republic of Crimea, Belogorsk, st. Lavender, 1

Opening hours: daily (summer 8:00 - 20:00, winter 8:00 - 16:00)

Cost: for adults – 1000 rubles, for children (from 3 to 10 years old) – 500 rubles, children under 3 years old – free

Official website: https://park-taigan.ru

Why and who should go here?

If you came to Crimea not only for a sea holiday and want to know the history and legends of the peninsula, in Belogorsk you will have something to see. It will become a worthy place for a tourist route. The spectacular natural landscapes and the recently opened Safari Park attraction will not leave the most demanding and experienced tourists indifferent. Wander around the calm, mysterious and melancholic Belogorsk, take a break from the hustle and bustle of coastal cities and imagine yourself as a nomad, whom a caravanserai brought to this legendary place - hello, Karasubazar!

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War memorials and monuments

Reviews are rarely left about such monuments. But it so happened that in the city of Belogorsk and the Belogorsk region the concentration of memorials dedicated to the events of the Great Patriotic War is very large. The region is known for its massive partisan movement - with all its achievements and consequences. Many memorial signs do not shine with luxury and artistic perfection. But they were set up by Komsomol and public organizations and village councils - they did not have sufficient funds. And now they are also maintained in good condition by enthusiasts - and tourists can take part in a good cause.

Monument to Soldiers and Partisans

Coordinates: 45.052250, 34.584318.

The sculptural group depicting a soldier, a sailor and a partisan immortalizes all the fighters against fascism on Crimean soil. The monument was erected at the burial site of a group of partisans and soldiers who died during the battles for Crimea in 1944.

Traditionally, the memorial is associated with the Karasubazar partisan detachment, which operated in the Belogorsk region during the war. It was commanded by the director of the forestry enterprise V.L. Timokhin. But several detachments operated in the Belogorsk region, and the monument immortalizes them all equally.

Monument to burned fellow villagers in Kurortnoye

Address: Belogorsky district, Kurortnoye village.

Fortunately, the massacre of the residents of Kurortny did not reach the scale of Khatyn or Oradour. On November 2, 1943, the Nazis burned 36 people here in their own homes, including a one-year-old baby and a dozen older children. The rest were taken to Germany.

The monument was erected for the 30th anniversary of the Victory. It was erected over the mass grave of the dead, in which, in addition to the residents of Kurortny, local partisans and fallen liberator soldiers were buried.

Monuments to the partisans of the 18th detachment

Coordinates: 44.987355, 34.347609.

Partisan detachment No. 18 enjoys special reverence in the Belogorsk region. In different places (outside populated areas, with reference to the area of operation of the detachment) you can find memorial signs dedicated to him. They are all very simple, but kept in proper order and provided with explanatory signs.

Special signs mark the place where it was formed, where it was stationed, where the headquarters were located... There are also monuments to individual partisans of this detachment.

In general, in the Belogorsk region there are many “war monuments” - to soldiers-liberators, fallen fellow villagers, heroes of the Resistance. The most unusual is the monument to sappers who died after the liberation while demining Crimea.

Location of the city and its climate

The city of Belogorsk is located in the foothills, in the valley of the Biyuk-Karasu River. Mountains that protect from the winds in winter, an abundance of forests and ponds that provide coolness in summer, provide the area with an almost Mediterranean climate, and the fertile land gives people springs with unusually tasty spring water, an abundance of wild berries and fruit-bearing orchards.

Spring in Belogorsk is early and quite warm - the temperature in March rises to 10 degrees, summer lasts from May to October, winter temperatures are always above zero, and the snow, having just appeared, quickly melts.

Map of Belogorsk with streets

The small city is located on an area of just over 5 square meters. km. The main historical part of the settlement is surrounded by more modern microdistricts Zapadny, Novy and Yuzhny, which are connected by transport highways. The map of Belogorsk with streets shows all the main arteries of the city, among which the busiest streets are:

Nizhnegorskaya;
Miroshnichenko;
Gagarin;
N. Boyko;
Russian;
Shevchenko;
Lunacharsky.

The streets of the city are winding and do not have a clear geometric structure. Several federal highways lead to Belogorsk, which connect the city with Simferopol, Kerch and Feodosia. There is no railway connection with the city. Bus passenger service is provided by the bus station, which, as the map of Belogorsk with streets and houses shows, is located in the area of Nizhnegorskaya Street on the northern outskirts.

Using the online service, you can find other objects. Today, interactive maps are replacing thick paper guides. By downloading them to your smartphone or tablet, you can confidently move around an unfamiliar city, quickly find the desired street or building, and visit attractions.