Cape Plaka in Crimea: history and location

Crimea is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in our vast country. The hospitality and mysteriousness of the area attracts a huge number of tourists every year in the spring and summer. Each attraction has its own characteristics and history. One of the interesting places is Cape Plaka, having climbed onto which you will enjoy a delightful view. In the article we will tell the history of the sights, consider the natural features and ways to get to the place.

The cape was discovered by the Greeks in the XIV century, it was they who gave it the name Plaka, which means “flat stone”. The geographical position turned it into a kind of natural fortress, which protected the nearby village of Lampas from the attacks of detractors. Later, the cape, together with the village, was conquered by the Turkish soldiers, they renamed the place Kuchuk-Lambat. In the XIX century A.M. Borozdin became the owner of Plaka, who was engaged in arranging the area. A huge park with rare plant species, a beautiful view and a unique fauna - all this is considered a merit of the military.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Anastasia Gagarina arrived here, for whom a luxurious castle was built. The structure has survived to our time, tourists can appreciate its luxury. The princess gave most of her life to the arrangement of the building in the Romanesque style and the surrounding park. Princess Gagarin has become a true legend of this area, and the romantic love story that linked her to her husband, Prince Gagarin, is still told by guides.

Cape Plaka was such a beautiful and peaceful place that it was often visited by famous guests. A. S. Pushkin, V. A. Zhukovsky, A. S. Griboyedov and many others found peace, comfort and peace here. After the revolution, the castle became the property of the cliff sanatorium, which is still happy to receive guests.

Cape Plaka has a rather unusual form that each tourist interprets in his own way. Some see a mushroom in its outlines, others - a dog's muzzle, and others - an owl. The nature of the cape is unique. The warm southern climate is provided by the Black Sea and the mountains of Kuchuk-Lambatsky Bay, which protect the area from the wind. In summer, the water temperature reaches +26 degrees, which is optimal for swimming.

The nature of the cape is unique in its vegetation. The flora of the area is represented by the rarest species of trees, flowers and shrubs. Rare and valuable fruit varieties are grown here, for example, olives, which appeared here in the Middle Ages. The fauna of Cape Plaka is also quite diverse. Of particular value are rare species of birds that live on the coast of the south. The harmless Black Sea shark and dolphins are found in the waters of the Crimea.

Tourist services are well developed, guests are offered the services of professional divers, with whom you can explore the inhabitants of the sea.

The geological structure of the cape speaks of its volcanic origin. According to one version of scientists, it is believed that Cape Plaka was formed after a strong eruption that occurred more than a million years ago. For some unknown reason, after a while the volcano went out, cooled, and the magma froze in an interesting form.Another suggestion says that the protrusion on the cape is the failed volcano, that is, laccolith. However, scientists place it in great doubt, since, according to geologists, the structure is represented by volcanic rock and petrified clay, thrown to the surface several centuries ago.

Cape Plaka - absolutely deserted on one side and densely planted with greenery on the other - is a rather interesting sight. The border between the southern and green northern parts of the stone is so sharp and clear that it creates the feeling that the rock is growing out of the forest. From the highest point there is a panoramic view of the entire Black Sea coast, which is slightly limited to Kuchuk-Lambat Bay. Three large stones that rise above the sea surface look very beautiful, they are called Bird's Rocks.

Another natural feature of Plaka is huge limestone stones, randomly piled on top of each other. The place is called Kuchuk-Lambatsky chaos. Such a large number of limestone blocks appeared because of a landslide, in some areas you can see sprouted trees of rare species.

One of the main attractions of Cape Plaka is the above-mentioned Palace of Princess Gagarina and a large park. Consider his story in more detail. It was built and furnished by architect Krasnov. Still preserved luxury vestibule doors and floor mosaic. At the moment, the entrance to the park is free. Tourists are attracted not only by the beauty of these places, but also by the romantic love story of the prince and princess, who were inseparable throughout their life together. A.I. Gagarin often visited the salon of Anastasia’s mother in Kutaisi, being the governor-general of the city. He immediately fell in love with the girl and made her an offer, and she agreed, even despite the rather large difference in age.

For three happy years, the couple lived in Georgia and made plans to move to the Crimea to Cape Plaka, where they had a small estate. Once Anastasia had to leave - to visit a close relative. Unfortunately, it was in the absence of the wife of Prince Gagarin killed. The girl did not find her husband alive. The widow of Alexander Ivanovich was inconsolable and for months she was locked up in her room. Later, she decided to fulfill the old dream of her husband and moved to live in the estate at Cape Plaka.

The princess lived alone and was engaged only in the arrangement of the locality. Under her leadership was built a beautiful palace. As soon as the arrangement of the castle and park was completed, Princess Anastasia passed away, and not having time to live in a new house, which her niece inherited.

Until now, the palace building looks beautiful, and next to it stands a small monument by Gagarina, from there the alley of cypresses and juniper begins, leading to the Alexander Nevsky church in Byzantine style. At the very end of Cape Plaka the crypt of the Borozdins, who were its first masters, is preserved. Fans of hiking in the fresh air will appreciate the beauty of the park and its flora.

Another attraction of this area is the Raevsky estate, next to which there is also a large park with rare trees, flowers and cacti. A walk along the cape will bring real pleasure to any tourist. Fresh air, the beauty of nature and the warm climate are optimal for secluded as well as for a relaxing couple.

Cape Plaka is located on the southern coast of the Crimean peninsula in the urban district of Alushta. Nearby is the resort village of Cliff. The territory of the cape is one of the main tourist areas of Big Alushta. Address sanatorium "Cliff": Republic of Crimea, Alushta, settlement Cliff, Gagarin Street, 5.

You can reach the place in different ways.

• A boat goes to the cape, which departs from the pier Utyos, located between Alushta and Partenit.
• By car go on the road Yalta - Alushta. Having reached the village of Kiparisnoe, you need to take the road to the mountains to the sanatorium "Cliff". A foot path leads from the bust of Gagarina, along which you will need to walk no longer than 10 minutes. For the convenience of tourists everywhere there are signs.
• Some decide to go on foot from Alushta, however, it will have to spend more than an hour and a half and a lot of strength. Such a journey is by far not everyone, even a young tourist, so it is better to use transport.
• In order to save money, you can use a regular bus from the bus station of Alushta, which in 20 minutes will bring tourists directly to the sanatorium. If you plan to leave Simferopol, you will have to get to Alushta first, and then transfer to the bus. To the cape, in any case, you will have to walk, since the path from the cliff is exclusively for pedestrians.

About Cape Plaka in the Crimea, see the video below.