Where is: Kurortnoe, Koktebel
Coordinates of the Golden Gate (latitude, longitude): 44 ° 54 "52" N 35 ° 13 "53" E
History of the Golden Gate of Crimea
Nature gives us delightful moments of pleasure and admiration. Beautiful landscapes inspire creative people - artists, poets, writers, architects ... We see in her a source of inspiration and happiness. There is one place on our planet that is definitely worth visiting for those who want to feel the magical beauty of the sea, golden rocks and a delightful sky. We are talking about the “Golden Gate” rock, magical in its beauty and inner strength. This example of natural art is located on the Eastern coast of Crimea, near the village of Koktebel, in the rocks of Kara-Dag.
Features of the Golden Gate of Crimea
Why is this rock so interesting? First of all, by its structure - it floats right out of the sea, forming a majestic stone arch. And in the rays of the bright sun, it casts a magical golden hue. Undoubtedly, the very terrain around the rock fuels the imagination ... But everything in order.
Secrets of the Golden Gate
There are many of the most unusual and mysterious places in Crimea, but, undoubtedly, the Kara-Dag rocks occupy a special place among all these attractions. The history of these places begins with the ancient name given to it by the Crimean Tatars - "Black Mountain", this is how the name Kara-Dag is translated into Russian. Indeed, if you visit Crimea, you will see many different rocks, and most of them will be light, brown and sandy shades. But not Mount Kara-Dag. She rises like a black giant above the surrounding landscape.
The reason for this coloring is in the origin of the rocks. More recently, scientists have found that in the distant past, Mount Kara-Dag was a huge volcano and after the eruption it was covered with rocks of volcanic origin - basalt, porphyrite, andesite. There are several monasteries on the banks of these kals, because here is a sacred land, with which many biblical legends are associated. One of them claims that it was on the territory of Koktebel that the famous battle of George the Victorious and the Terrible Serpent took place. Local residents and tourists, walking along these shores, sometimes hear bells ringing. Legends tell that it is the bells of Stephen of Sugdeysky ringing from distant Constantinople, who sends his blessings to local monks.
The rocks of Kara-Dag themselves are so fantastic that they resemble a magical and terrifying pirate island from a children's book. Dark gorges, secret coves, picturesque copses, flat boulders and sharp peaks of rocks - all this leads to certain thoughts. And not without reason, one of the historical assumptions says that it is possible that pirates stayed here in ancient times. Hidden coves and sharp cliffs are a great haven for royal soldiers. The coastline itself is so diverse that the locals gave each unusual ledge its own name - Sphinx, Elephant, Gingerbread Horse, Ivan the Robber rock, etc. Behind each rock and cliff there is a special story of its own ... How much these rocks have seen and still retain their majestic appearance.
Another legend of these places is associated with mysterious treasures. Since the Black Rock was once a volcano, and after the volcano erupts, many precious stones can be found on the ground around ... At the expense of precious stones, legends may be exaggerated, but semi-precious stones are indeed found, many tourists and locals have found in mountains gems. And of course, the most precious and even fabulous island on the coast.
Kara-Dag - Golden Gate.
Lonely golden arch. It has been scientifically proven that the famous Golden Gate rock was formed many millions of years ago, exactly at the time when the eruption of the mighty Kara-Dag volcano took place. The golden macaw is nothing more than a part of a collapsed volcano, part on land, part in the sea. Undoubtedly, it is with its shape that the rock immediately attracts attention. There are many legends and mystical, fantastic stories about her. Since the time of Ancient Greece, the inhabitants of Hellas believed that this gate was the entrance to the afterlife kingdom of Hades.
The inhabitants of these places, the Crimean Tatars, called this rock - Shaitan-Kapu, which translated into Russian means "The Devil's Gate". It is interesting that it was this name of the unusual rock that attracted the famous Russian poet - Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. On one of the sheets of the Eugene Onegin manuscript, he drew a rock-arch, and a dancing devil next to it. Of course, such a mystical name evokes the fact that the rock resembles a gate to nowhere, to another parallel world. Already relatively recently, the magic arch began to be called the "Golden Gate". During sunset, the rock really shines with a purple golden light. The magic of this light has been unraveled - all thanks to the specific lichens that cover almost the entire surface of the mountain. But even this prosaic explanation does not make this place less beautiful or mysterious.
It is interesting that at different times of the day the rock looks and glows completely differently: in the rays of sunset it is golden, in the morning it is snow-white, in the afternoon it is black with outlined edges ... This transformation is very exciting for photographers and artists. Another miracle of this land is the sea around Kara-Dag. It is especially beautiful here! Many argue that only in these parts does the sea acquire a magical blue color. Why this happens many years ago, geologists explained: the entire bottom of the bay is covered with volcanic basalt. It is thanks to him that the water more strongly reflects the blue of the sky and becomes amazingly blue.
When you look at the bay, there is a rock-arch, from above it seems that it is simply infinitely deep ... In fact, this pirate bay has a depth of 15 m. Many poets of our homeland admired these picturesque landscapes - Marina Tsvetaeva, Maximilian Voloshin, Konstantin Paustovsky, Osip Mandelstamp ... Artists painted these places in their paintings. One of the striking examples is the painting of the famous moraine painter - the legendary and unique Aivazovsky. Everyone who can visit Crimea should definitely visit these historical, mysterious and very beautiful places - here you will be visited by inspiration and happiness. Come to Crimea, to Koktebel and enjoy the sunset on the Kara-Dag mountain, peering into the distance through the Golden Gate.
The beginning of the Crimea was called the Golden Gate. This symbol at various times in history designated the status of Kafa, Gezlev, Solkhat, Yeni-Kaleya and many other places. The gates of the Crimea - this is how several places are called at the same time. It is well known that this honorary title belongs to Simferopol, Dzhankoy, Chongar, Ariyansk, Sevastopol, Kerch, Arabat arrow. There are also more local gates of Crimea, for example, Yalta, Baydarskiy gates and Angarsk pass, which are considered to be the gates of the South Coast of Crimea. The Akhtiyar Bay was called the sea gate of Sevastopol by the Crimeans.
The sea gates of the Crimea are, without a doubt, Kerch and Sevastopol. The latter, in addition to this, is also called the key and shield of the Crimea. This name was especially relevant during the hostilities here. It is believed that the one who owns Sevastopol is the ruler of the Crimea.
Another symbol is also known, denoting discovery, access, the beginning of acquaintance with one of the magnificent sights of the region - the Golden Gate of Crimea.
Acquaintance
The Golden Gate of Crimea - this is the name of the coastal rock of an arched shape, located at the volcanic massif Kara-Dag, on the coast of the Black Sea. Address: Crimea, Koktebel, Karadag nature reserve. The Golden Gate is a symbol of Karadag. Crimea (Koktebel) is a popular resort with many unique attractions.
Pearl of Crimea - Golden Gate
Crimea (a photo of the described attraction is presented in the article) is a peninsula located in the northern part of the Black Sea. The Golden Gate is located directly behind the Robber Bay. The rock sticking out of the water near the coast is cut through by a natural arch. In addition, it is called the Devil's Gate ("Shaitan-kapu"). The depth of the sea under the cliff is 15 meters. It rises above sea level by 8 m and reaches a width of 6 m.
The appearance of the arch is explained by the impact of the surf on the rock. The gates are "folded" of yellow basalt, so in the afternoon a glow emanates from them. One gets the impression that the rock is indeed golden, hence one of its names.
Through the Golden Gates of Kara-Dag, which are rightfully considered the pearl of the Crimean peninsula, you can admire the sunrise - but only for a few days a year at the winter solstice.
The gate is guarded by a stone Lion, and the Lion's Bay is closed by the Lighthouse rock. Almost from all the coastal Crimean cities there are sea excursions to the rocks of Kara-Dag, but most regularly from Feodosia and Koktebel. Everyone certainly needs to see this beauty at least once.
Follow in the footsteps of Odysseus
It is possible that, having got here, the traveler will repeat one of the amazing adventures of the legendary Odysseus, who, wandering to the Cimmerian shores, as many believe, visited one of the fabulous bays of the Kara-Dag.
It is known that the Golden Gate made an indelible impression on the great Pushkin, who later reflected his acquaintance with the landmark (according to biographers) in the famous drawing on the margins of the manuscript of the famous "Eugene Onegin".
Blue blue sea
It is not even the rock that makes the greatest impression on tourists, but the sea around it - amazing, sparkling, unusually blue, as if tinted with Prussian blue. Everyone who has visited the shores of the Kara-Dag knows that the sea is truly fabulous. It here endlessly changes its colors: it is sometimes quiet and gentle, turquoise, then pearl with a light fog spreading over its surface, then blue-cornflower blue, competing in its blueness with the sky itself.
But the sea element here, as elsewhere, is capricious and fickle - a fierce wind is already flying in and driving gray-haired ramparts to the rocks, which rise and break with a roar against the stones.
With the onset of evening or morning, the silhouettes of the surrounding mountains appear clearer and clearer, and then from the shore you can watch how the sea colors and shades change.
The kindest place in the world
Many have noticed that the Golden Gate, illuminated by bright rays of the sun, caressing this unique natural creation, seemed to radiate a kind of radiance. They are surrounded by the infinite tenderness of the Universe - this is how travelers speak about this place, expressing their confidence that these rocks in Kara-Dag are one of the kindest places in Crimea, and perhaps the planet. Many believe that the Golden Gate is the beginning of the road to parallel worlds. If this is true, then the world that opens behind them will be imbued with love, affection and kindness. There simply cannot be another - after all, only at the sight of an arch leading to otherness, everyone feels an extraordinary peace and happiness.
Myths
Many people believe that if, while swimming through an arch, you throw a coin into a rock so that it rings, and at the same time make a wish, it will surely come true.
A huge number of myths and legends are associated with this place in Crimea. For example, did you know that it was through the Golden Gate of Kara-Dag that Odysseus and Hercules descended into the underworld of Hades? Did you know that as you sail past these rocks, you can see how the clocks stop, navigation stops, and on the air you can hear moans and screams breaking through the frequencies? Have you heard that unidentified objects fly over these rocks, which enter the sea water and disappear in the depths?
And the local population also says that somewhere in these places the mysterious Karadag monster lives, hunting dolphins, which are often caught with traces of strange bites.
Legends and myths surround these places in great numbers, but the only thing that is indisputable and that everyone can be sure of personally is the extraordinary beauty of the Golden Gate. They will forever remain in the heart of everyone who visits the attraction. And this is not a myth, but the truth.
The Crimean peninsula is a place famous for its beautiful sea, incredibly beautiful nature, as well as its attractions, created both by human hands and by nature itself. Speaking about the natural attractions of the peninsula, I would like to highlight such a settlement as Koktebel. There are beautiful beaches around which there are mountains, there is no end and end of sunshine - we can say that this is an ideal place to relax.
The visiting card of Koktebel is the Golden Gate
Like any city in Crimea, Koktebel has its own exclusive business card. Near the city there is a mountain-volcanic massif - Kara-Dag. It is here that the visiting card of the city is located. The Golden Gate is a rock emerging from the depths of the sea to a height of about 15 meters. Its outlines have bizarre shapes, it is completely covered with sharp stone ledges. The rock sticking out of the water has a through hole created by the effects of storms and the surf.
Earlier, long before the Golden Gate, it was called Shaitan-Kapu, which in translation from the language of the Crimean Tatars means the Devil's Gate or the Devil's Gate. However, over time, when the attraction began to gain popularity and attracted great interest from vacationers, it changed its name to the Golden Gate. It is worth noting that this was not done unreasonably. In the daytime, when the bright summer sun is shining, the yellow basalt, from which the rock is created, begins to glow with a golden tint, it is from here that a new name that attracts tourists appeared.
The arched shape of the rock with its bends, sharp edges and bizarre shapes attracted and attracts not only tourists. Everyone knows that even Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin himself did not remain indifferent to this place. On the margins of his manuscript "Eugene Onegin" was found a sketch of the very rock that now so delights people on sea trips around Kara-Dag.
"He who lived and thought cannot
In my soul, do not despise people;
He who felt worries
The ghost of irreversible days ... ”- this entry was next to the picture of the rock.
The gate turned out to be so memorable for A.S. Pushkin, that 3 years after he saw them, he was able to depict them in the margins of his work. I wonder what he was thinking when he did that very sketch? Alas, this will forever remain a mystery to us.
Legends and legends about the Golden Gate
For a long time, probably since ancient times, many legends, legends and legends have accumulated about this rock. Most often, the locals associated this place with doors, a passage to the underworld, or as it is also called hell. The inhabitants came up with dark legends. So, for example, the Greeks and Hellenes, who lived for a very long time on the territory of the Crimea, connected the Devil's Rock with the entrance to the underground kingdom of Hades. There are legends that it was through these gates that Odysseus, the great and mighty Hercules, and Orpheus, the legendary musician and singer, whose name personified the power of art, entered the kingdom of darkness.
Since then, many hundreds of years have passed, the legends began to be gradually forgotten, and the rock received a new, lighter name. Nature has created an incredibly beautiful rock. Striking the imagination of people with its appearance, it strongly engraves in their memory and leaves its imprint forever.
Nowadays, there are modern beliefs, in which people also willingly believe. So, if you see the rising or setting sun through the hole in the rock, you can safely make a wish that will surely come true. Also, swimming through the arch, you can throw a coin into the rock and make a wish during its ringing. Whether it's true or not, tourists who come on vacation every year try to catch this moment, try to see the sunlight passing through the hole or swim under the mysterious arch and make their wishes.
How to get to the Golden Gate?
In order to see this amazing Crimean landmark, you still need to get there. In total, there are two options for the development of events. The famous rock can be viewed from two different angles.
The first option is overland. In Koktebel there are many different excursion bureaus, private guides and guides who will gladly take you to Karadag. The average length of the route is 7-8 kilometers. Such an overland trip requires good physical fitness. The mountainous terrain is not within the power of everyone. The duration of the hike is on average 4-5 hours. In addition to the Golden Gate on the route, you can see:
- Legendary rock of Ivan the robber;
- Gyaur-Bakh gorge;
- Damn finger;
- Remnant of the Sphinx;
- Holy mountain, etc.
The overland route is very interesting compared to the sea route. As for the sea route, everything is much simpler here. You just need to go to the pier of Koktebel, pay for a boat ticket and at the appointed time go on a boat trip along the entire coast of Karadag. The length of the route is the same as that of the overland route, however, the walking time is much shorter - only 2.5 hours. It is during a boat trip that you can see the Golden Gate very closely.
Here, choosing from two routes, as they say, to each his own. Fans of outdoor activities are better off going along the mountain paths, who want to breathe in the fresh sea air, watch the dolphins winding along the karma of the ship, it is better to choose a boat trip. To say that the boat trip is less picturesque is a mistake. Each route opens up something new in this beautiful location, so if the opportunity arises, it is best to try both options. And then the choice is yours, dear vacationers.
Which was once an active volcano, there is a rock in the form of an arch. It is called the Golden Gate.
The most beautiful sight of natural origin is the most recognizable rock of Kara-Dag, its "visiting card", which attracts many tourists. "Golden Gate" is located in the urban district of Feodosia, between the villages of Koktebel and Kurortnoye.
In height, the rock "Golden Gate" in the Crimea reaches a little more than 8 meters above the water, the total height from the bottom is more than 15 meters.
From below, the tuff ridge is divided by long ledges of small width, which make it look like an amphitheater, as if nature deliberately arranged so that the amazing beauty of the landscape with the "Golden Gate" of Kara-Dag can be viewed from this place. The size of the "Golden Gate" seems rather modest from above, but this visibility is deceiving - not only fishermen's boats can pass under the arch, but also small motor ships, on which vacationers like to go on sea trips.
Prices for excursions to the rock "Golden Gate"
You can get to the arch as part of the excursion routes organized by the Kara-Dag nature reserve. A visit to the protected area is allowed only when accompanied by staff of the institution. Groups are formed by appointment by phone: + 7-36562-26287, + 7-978-75-61-454 or by e-mail: [email protected] In the summer, a regular schedule of excursions is approved. Tickets must be purchased immediately before departure on the route.
Visiting the rock "Golden Gate" is included in the walking and sea routes. The first option is ecological trail number 1 "Big Karadag". Cost: for adults - 600 rubles, for children (7-14 years old) - 400 rubles, participation for children under 7 years old is free. You can go along it at any time of the year, the trail is mountain pedestrian, it closes only in rainy weather. The minimum number of participants is 6 people. The route runs from the village of Kurortnoye to Koktebel, you can go through the circular route, the trail goes along the slope of the Coastal Range, through the South Pass. Participants of the excursion trip will visit several viewing platforms and see other interesting rocks and gorges, except for the “Golden Gate” of Karadag near Koktebel. The transition requires certain physical efforts, it is not recommended for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system. The organizers ask you to prepare yourself and provide you with 1 liter of water, comfortable sports shoes, and a hat. The length of the route is 7 kilometers, the passage time is 4 hours.
Sea excursions to the "Golden Gate" in Crimea
The second option is to look at the rock "Golden Gate" in the Crimea - from the water. The reserve organizes boat trips along the ecological trail No. 3 "Along the extinct volcano Karadag". The price of a boat trip to the Golden Gate is the same for adults and children - 500 rubles. The route operates seasonally, usually from May to October, it is necessary to check the opening hours on the official website of the reserve. Length - 8 kilometers, duration - 1 hour. The excursion goes along the coast of Karadag from the pier of the reserve. Participants of the walk will see many picturesque bays and various volcanic formations, grottoes and stones. According to tourists, dolphins can be found near the "Golden Gate" of Karadag in Crimea. The depth here is about 50 meters, the water is very clear.
You can also buy a sea excursion in various travel agencies: it will be a trip on a small boat or a large boat, usually about 20 minutes are allocated for swimming near the Golden Gate rock from the Karadag massif in Crimea. The cost of such boat trips will be slightly higher than that of the reserve. The most popular place of departure is Koktebel, boats also go from Feodosia and the village of Kurortnoye.
History
The rock "Golden Gate" not far from Koktebel broke away from the Karadag massif several million years ago. That is, it also has a volcanic origin. Over time, sea waves and wind formed its shape.
Now the rock has a beautiful name due to the fact that its golden color is clearly visible in sunny weather. It is best to observe this in the time interval from 12:00 to 15:00 hours. This is due to the play of light on the yellow lichens that cover the arched rock.
However, at the time when the ancient Greeks lived in the Crimea, the rock was called the "Devil's Gate". It was believed that it was here that the heroes of myths descended into the underworld of the dead. There are many stories among local residents about the anomalousness of this place: how the clock stops under the gates, navigation does not work, noise and voices are heard on the air. They also say that unidentified objects fly near the rock, and a monster lives under it. Therefore, even now the rock "Golden Gate" is called "Devil's Gate" by some.
The "Golden Gate" of Crimea is depicted in a drawing made by A. Pushkin in the margins of the manuscript "Eugene Onegin" after a trip along the Crimean coast.
How to get to the rock "Golden Gate" in Crimea
To look at the arch "Golden Gate", you need to get to the natural reserve "Kara-Dag", which is located at the village of Kurortnoye, st. Science, 24. You can get here by public transport:
- From Feodosia: bus number 101, get off at the final stop "Biostation" (travel time - about 1 hour).
- From Simferopol: from the bus station "Kurortnaya" by bus "Simferopol - Feodosia" go to the turn to Koktebel in the village of Nasypnoe, change to bus number 101 to the final one. The road will take about 2.5-3 hours.
If you have chosen a boat trip from private carriers or travel agencies, then you need to go directly to Koktebel. Buses leave from there almost every hour every day.
You can take a taxi to one of the places of departure for an excursion to the rock "Golden Gate": in Feodosia there are services "Ten", "Kopeyka", "MegaTaxi".
How to get to the Golden Gate by car
To get from Feodosia to the reserve by your car, you need to follow the Simferopol highway (highway P-29), turn right in front of the traffic police post in the village of Nasypnoe, pass Podgornoye, Koktebel, enter the village of Schebetovka, turn left in front of the Church of the Ascension of Christ and follow the signs drive to the village of Kurortnoye.
To get to Koktebel, you also need to follow the P-29 highway, pass Podgornoye and the road will lead to the village.
Map showing how to get there by car from Feodosia to Koktebel, from where sea excursions to the Golden Gate rock go:
Panoramic view of the "Golden Gate" ("Devil's Gate") in Crimea:
Video about the rock "Golden Gate" Karadag:
By aquatek-filips: Today's story is about one of the three visual symbols of the Crimea - the Golden Gate rock. Along with the Swallow's Nest and the Bear Mountain, this rock can most often be found in various souvenir photographs, postcards, magnets in Crimea, as well as in articles and on the covers of magazines about Crimea.
One of the favorite places of tourists is a natural site created by an ancient volcano, and then "modified" by sea waves and wind. In ancient times, the rock was called in a completely different way - the Devil's Gate (or Sheitan-kapu), and it was believed that this is the entrance to the Underworld.
Why is the gate golden? First, they do look golden at dawn. Although not everyone can see the sunrise from the desired point, because the rock is located on the territory of the reserve and access to the wild beach at the foot of the Lion's Dyke is prohibited and is guarded by the reserve's gamekeepers.
But the rock becomes “golden” and again during the day - at about 13-14 hours. At this time in summer, the sun is in such a position that the incident rays change the color of the rock to close to gold. She is also beautiful at sunset.
Why is this happening? The fact is that the rock is completely covered with yellow lichens, which play in the sunlight.
However, recently its upper part has become more white than yellow. This is due to the increase in the number of the Red Data Book Crested Cormorant, which nests in these places. And his droppings are increasingly covering the surrounding rocks.
Despite the seemingly not very large size, the rock is quite massive. Its height is 8 meters, and its width is 6. Two years ago, almost all pleasure boats that carry tourists from Koktebel, Kurortny or Feodosia passed through the doorway, and the tourists threw coins for good luck.
However, since the beginning of the 2012 holiday season, a ban was introduced on the passage of boats under the Golden Gate, and the entire tourist route along the marine part of the reserve was changed, which now runs at least 100 meters from the coastline.
This measure, in my opinion, is quite justified, given the eco-culture of our tourists.
The most famous rock of Crimea is located in the east of the peninsula, at the foot of the ancient extinct volcano Karadag.
Volcanic activity many millions of years ago created many incredible formations in this place. One of such formations is the Golden Gate.
It was only later than the storm and the wind expanded the natural opening to a huge size, through which even a small pleasure boat can pass. But first there was a volcano. It is enough to look closely at the structure of the rock.
The Golden Gate, the Lion's Dike and the Devil's Fireplace gorge are traces of the activity of the ancient volcano.
The minutes when the rock is golden.
Dawn at the Golden Gate. Of course, the most famous shots are when you manage to shoot the sun directly in the opening of the rock, but this is possible only a few days a year ...
