Alupka - climatic resort of the southern coast of Crimea, extends for 4.5 km along the sea, only 17 km from Yalta at the foot of the picturesque mountain Ai-Petri. Natural and weather conditions have to be improved, so there are many health resorts and sanatoriums here. Characteristic for many southern cities, disorderly construction has shaped the current appearance of the city with numerous winding streets leading to dead ends and houses standing literally on top of each other.
The first mention of the city of Alubik refers to the year 960, when Crimea was part of the Khazar possessions. During the period of domination on the peninsula of the Genoese, it was listed on the sea charts as Ayupiko. At the time of the annexation of the Crimea to the Russian Empire, at the end of the 18th century, it was a small resort village, which over time grew and acquired the status of a city whose population was even one time larger than in Yalta.
Vorontsov Palace
At the mention of Alupka the first sight that comes to mind is certainly the palace of Count Vorontsov in Alupka , one of the famous palaces of the Crimea . This architectural masterpiece was built in the 30-40-ies. XVIII century as the residence of the Governor of the Novorossiysk region MS. Vorontsov under the project of E. Blor.
The uniqueness of the palace complex is that each of its buildings recalls a certain era of English architecture. So, for example, the prototype of a feudal castle with squat towers and ramparts with rectangular teeth, contrasts sharply with the light and air main building built in Elizabethan style. Due to this feature, it seems that the palace was built over not two dozen, but at least several hundred years. It is noteworthy that all construction and finishing work was carried out manually, using primitive tools.
Each room of the palace is a separate work of art, as part of the tour groups you can get to the Chinese cabinet, the Blue living room, the cotton room, the ceremonial dining room - the rooms that amaze with beauty, sophistication and thoughtful design. In addition, the palace presents a collection of paintings by Western European masters of the XV-XVIII centuries.
Vorontsovsky Park in Alupka
The next place, which is definitely worth a look in Alupka, is the Alupka park. It is part of the palace and park complex, but worthy of a separate story. The park was laid simultaneously with the beginning of the construction of the Vorontsov Palace under the leadership of the German horticulturist K. Kebach. The exotic flora is represented here by more than 200 species of trees and shrubs, many of them are the same age as the park.
In addition to unique vegetation and intoxicating fresh air, this place is famous for its ponds, numerous fountains and stone chaos. Descending along the picturesque park paths, you can get to a small bay where cypresses grow and the famous Aivazovsky rock is located.
Temple of Archangel Michael in Alupka
The construction of the main shrine of the city began in 1898 under the direction of the doctor of medicine Bobrov. The temple in the Russian-Byzantine style was consecrated as early as 1908, although the main source of funding was the donations of parishioners. In 1930, he, like many others in the power of the Soviets, suffered a sad fate - the building was placed under a storehouse, which led to desolation and devastation.
In 1991, the church moved to the office of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which was the beginning of the restoration process, which lasted until 2005.
Alupka: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a historical monument of pilgrimage center. It was built in 1913 at the Alexander III sanatorium for teachers and pupils of parish schools. After 10 years it was closed, the church became dilapidated from time and suffered considerable destruction during the earthquake of 1927.
In 1996, the temple and sanatorium resumed their activities. On the territory of the boarding house, believers who travel to the holy places of the Crimea stop.
Alupka: Ai-Petri
Mount Ai-Petri, one of the main attractions of the Crimea, towers over the sea at 1234 meters. Its name came from the Greek monastery of St. Peter, which was located in the mountains in the Middle Ages. Until the end of the XV century, settlements were created here, after the slopes were emptied and became a pasture for cattle. At present, Ai-Petri is part of the Crimean reserve.
In 1987, a cable car was built, leading to a mountain plateau. Its total length is 3.5 km, and the distance between the support towers is considered to be the record in Europe.
