Cape Plaka in Crimea: history and location

Crimea is rightfully considered 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-summer period. Each attraction has its own characteristics and history. One of the interesting places is Cape Plaka, climbing on which you will have an amazing view. In the article we will tell the history of the attraction, 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”. Its geographical position turned it into a kind of natural fortress, which protected the nearby village of Lampas from attacks by ill-wishers. Later, the cape along with the village was still conquered by Turkish soldiers, they renamed the place in Kuchuk Lambat. In the XIX century, A.M. Borozdin became the owner of Plaka, who was engaged in the arrangement of the terrain. A huge park with rare species of plants, a beautiful view and unique fauna - all this is considered a military merit.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Anastasia Gagarina came here, for whom a magnificent castle was built. The building has survived to our time, tourists can appreciate its luxury. The princess gave most of her life to arranging 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 connected her with her husband Prince Gagarin is still told by guides.

Cape Plaka was so beautiful and peaceful place that it was often visited by famous guests. A. S. Pushkin, V. A. Zhukovsky, A. S.Griboedov and many others found peace, comfort and peace here. After the revolution, the castle became the property of Utes Clinic, which to this day is pleased to receive guests.

Cape Plaka has a rather unusual form, which every tourist interprets in his own way. Some see a mushroom in its shape, others see the muzzle of a dog, and others see 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. Here rare and valuable fruit varieties are grown, for example, olives, which appeared here back 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. In the waters of the Crimea there is a harmless Black Sea shark and dolphins.

Travel 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 some time, the volcano went out, cooled down, and magma froze in an interesting form. Another assumption says that the ledge on the cape is a failed volcano, that is, laccolith. However, scientists question this very much, since according to geologists, the structure is represented by volcanic rock and petrified clay, thrown to the surface several centuries ago.

Cape Plaka - completely deserted on one side and densely planted with greenery on the other - is a rather interesting sight. The border between the stone southern and green northern parts is so sharp and clear that it seems that the rock grows out of the forest. The highest point offers panoramic views of the entire Black Sea coast, which is slightly limited by Kuchuk-Lambat Bay. Three large stones that rise above the surface of the sea look very beautiful; they are called Bird Rocks.

Another natural feature of Plaka is the huge limestone stones randomly piled on top of each other. The place is called Kuchuk-Lambat chaos. Such a large number of limestone blocks appeared due to 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. Luxurious vestibule doors and floor mosaics are still preserved. Admission to the park is currently free. Tourists are attracted not only by the beauty of these places, but also by the romantic love story of the prince and the 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 answered with consent, even despite the rather large difference in age.

For three happy years, the couple lived in Georgia and made plans to move to the Cape Plaka in Crimea, 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 who was killed. The girl never found her husband alive. The widow of Alexander Ivanovich was inconsolable and sat locked up in her room for months. Later, she decided to fulfill her husband's old dream and moved to live on the estate on Cape Plaka.

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

Until now, the palace building looks beautiful, and next to it is a small monument to Gagarina, from there the alley of cypresses and junipers begins, leading to the church of Alexander Nevsky in the Byzantine style. At the very end of Cape Plaka, the crypt of the Borozdins, which were its first owners, was preserved. Outdoor enthusiasts 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. Walking along the cape will bring true pleasure to any tourist. Fresh air, the beauty of nature and a warm climate are optimal for both secluded and couples.

Cape Plaka is located on the southern coast of the Crimean peninsula in the urban district of Alushta. Nearby is the resort village of Utes. The territory of the cape is one of the main tourist areas of Big Alushta. The address of the Utyos sanatorium: Republic of Crimea, Alushta, Utes settlement, Gagarina street, 5.

There are several ways to get to the place.

• A boat goes to the cape, which is sailing off the cliff from the pier, located between Alushta and Partenit.
• By car go along the road Yalta - Alushta. Upon reaching the village of Kiparisnoe, you need to turn onto the road to the mountains to the Utes cliff resort. From the bust of Gagarina there is a foot path along which you will need to walk no longer than 10 minutes. For the convenience of tourists, signs are everywhere.
• Some decide to walk from Alushta, however, it will take more than an hour and a half and a lot of effort. Not everyone, even a young tourist, can afford such a trip. Therefore, it is better to use transport.
• In order to save money, you can use the shuttle bus from the bus station of Alushta, which in 20 minutes will bring tourists directly to the resort. If you plan to leave Simferopol, you will first have to get to Alushta, and then transfer to the bus. In any case, you will have to walk to the cape on foot, since the path from the Cliff is exclusively for pedestrians.

About Cape Plaka in Crimea, see the video below.