Sevastopol
For a long time many tourists have been dreaming about visiting one of the most secret towns of the USSR, Sevastopol (Sebastopol), that due to its military status, was closed not only to foreigners, but to Ukrainian tourists as well. And now you have an opportunity to visit the city that is still a base for the Russian and Ukrainian Navy and that has many secrets to share after so many years of silence.
Sevastopol is located on a southwest extremity of the Crimean peninsula, where the hilly coast is cut up by ten bays. Situated on a beautiful bay, Sevastopol has everything you can imagine: bright sun, long beaches, green parks, romantic seaside cafes, and many sightseeing attractions … and very special charm.
For several thousand years this area mixed the history and culture of different nations … brave and hardworking people. Archeologists say that the tribes of Tavrs, Scythians and Sarmats were the first ones who had settlements in this area. Then over a period of 2,000 years (from the 5th Century BC to the 15th Century AD), the ancient Greeks (emigrants from Heraklea Pontiyskaya) ruled this place and built their city-state named Chersonese-Tavrichesky, which played an important role in the history of the northern Black Sea coast.
Perhaps Sevastopol has the most colorful history of any city in the former Soviet Union. On February 10, 1784, shortly after Russia”s long struggle for an entrance to the Black Sea was successfully completed (during the war with Turkey, which lasted from 1768 to 1774), a city fortress at the Black sea was built, and named Sevastopol. Born as naval base, Sevastopol has forever been connected to the fate of the Black Sea fleet.
Many times since its founding, Sevastopol has been destroyed during different wars. The last time this happened, it was almost completely destroyed during its heroic defense at the time of the bloody World War II Nazi invasion. But Sevastopol has always risen from ruins and become even more beautiful.
We have to admit, these days are not the best in the history of this city. Sevastopol suffers from the current economic crisis as badly as any of the other Ukrainian cities. The beauty of the natural and historic monuments contrast with the problems of providing heat during the winter and getting hot and cold water into most of the apartments of Sevastopol”s residents. But it”s hard to tell that there are any problems, when you look around at the peoples” faces, which are cheerful and friendly. And it is a very safe city… probably the result of its military heritage.
And the list of wonderful and unforgettable places which you can visit in or around Sevastopol is just endless: the Greek ruins of Chersonese; the Russian Black Sea Fleet Museum and other galleries and museums; the Black Sea Aquarium, with a famous dolphin show; yacht sailings; car trips to Bakhchisaray; the ancient city of Choufout-Kale; Foros Church; Yalta; and other places that you”ll never forget, once you have visited them.
We can say that with our help in arranging your tour and with good will, flexibility, and a sense of humor on your side, your visit to Sevastopol will become a wonderful adventure!
Visit Sevastopol with UkraineTour !