Genoese Fortress in Sudak
Genoese Fortress – is a historical monument located in Sudak. It is a real business card of this sea city. Strong walls with teeth will surely interest any traveler who has entered Sudak. In spring, the Genoese fortress is located among the green color, but in the summer and autumn, it takes on a yellow scorched look.
The Genoese fortress served as a real defense of the city from enemies, as reminiscent of the walls huge in two tiers, which rise eight meters, as well as the numerous towers and moat that surrounds it. Even nature itself took care of the impregnability to the fortress, since on the one hand a sheer rock protects it. On the north side, a steep descent leads to it.
The fortress has such a name, because it was built precisely by the inhabitants of Genoa ( Italian immigrants ) between 1371 and 1469. But with each subsequent consul, something was included in this building. This fact is confirmed even by name towers: Pascual Jedice, Carrodo Chikalo, Zhdovanni Marion, etc.
Powerful fortifications could not save the Genoese from the invasion of the Turks in 1475. As history tells us, the fortress existed here long before the settlement of the Genoese, in confirmation of which the foundation of early fortifications in this place was discovered.
As expected, the Genoese Fortress in Sudak has its own legends. Among them there is a romantic story that tells about the Maiden's Tower. This legend in all details can be told by the guides of the fortress in Sudak.
There is also a more modern legend about consul, which, defending the tower, died in battle with the Turks. It is believed here that the ghost of consul Christopher di Negro wanders through the territory of the castle in our time, since its burial did not go according to Christian customs.
The Genoese fortress was to the liking of not only numerous tourists in the city, but also archaeologists, as well as fencing enthusiasts and even cinemas. At least forty films were shot here, among which « Amphibian Man », « Master and Margarita ».
Every year, a festival of knightly art takes place on the territory of the Genoese fortress, during which this area turns into a medieval courtyard, filled with swords, horses with archers, and knights. The festival lasts a whole week and every day there is a new performance dedicated to a specific topic.
