SEVASTOPOL, UKRAINE

The first stop on this interesting tour is Bakhchisarai. At one time Bakhchisarai was the capital of the Crimean Khanate. The Khan’s Palace still stands in the city and now houses the Museum of History.

The first stop on this interesting tour is Bakhchisarai. At one time Bakhchisarai was the capital of the Crimean Khanate. The Khan’s Palace still stands in the city and now houses the Museum of History. Work on the Palace buildings and grounds started at the beginning of the 16th century. The complex includes the Khan’s Palace and suites, the state council and courtroom, the harem, mosques and mausoleum. In the north east corner of the so-called Fountain Courtyard stands a fountain with the exotic name of ‘Fountain of Tears’. It was built in 1764 by order of Khan Krym-Girey in memory of his favourite wife. Many legends are connected with this fountain. Some of them served as the theme for the long poem ‘The Fountain of Bakhchisarai’. Our tour will then continue to the Uspensky Cathedral, which is part of Uspensky Cave Monastery. This acting monastery was founded at the turn of the 8th and 9th centuries and was residence of the Metropolitan of the Russian Orthodox Church during the Crimean Khanate. The ancient cave church of the monastery and the monk’s cells are hewn in the rock, just as all household premises were in medieval Crimean cities. Please note that this tour involves a considerable amount of walking over mostly cobbled and uneven ground. At Khan’s Palace there are approximately 36 steps to negotiate and approximately 75 steps at Uspensky Cathedral. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are recommended. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or passengers with limited mobility.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES