Webcam Kerch. Lenin Square, view of Mitridat
Lenin Square is located in the central part of Kerch and is a very popular recreation area for citizens and tourists. On a relatively small piece of land there is an open area where city events and concerts are often held, beautiful shady alleys with numerous benches.
The square was called Predtechenskaya square, then Tolstoy square. It was renamed Lenin Square in the 1960s.
In a picturesque little square aside from the square is the Church of St. John the Baptist - one of the oldest in Eastern Europe. It is an example of Byzantine style with distinctive red and white brickwork.
A monument to Vladimir Lenin has remained on the square since Soviet times. Since 2000, it has been accompanied by the Pantheon of Glory - a column topped with a golden statue of a griffin, the symbol of the city.
Around the square there are several Art Nouveau buildings, stores and a small shopping center, cozy cafes and restaurants. From here you can get to the stairs to the Mitridat mountain. Passing over 436 steps, you can wander over ancient Panticapaeum ruins, see the obelisk of Glory dedicated to those killed in the battles for Crimea's liberation in November 1943 - April 1944, enjoy the panoramic views of the city and Kerch Strait.
Almost in the center of Kerch is Mount Mithridates. Its height is 91.5 meters and it is visible from almost anywhere in the city.
There is a theory that the entire mountain is pierced with underground passages and tunnels. According to legend, from the city, the ruins of which are preserved on top, to the embankment of the city led several secret ways. There is a high probability that this is true, but none of the tunnels could be found.
In the 7th century BC the city Panticapaeum appeared on the mountain. In those days the Kerch Strait was called the "Bosporus Cimmerian. At the very top of the acropolis was built, surrounded by powerful walls with towers. On the mountain there were many houses of dignitaries and temples. This city was one of the most prosperous on the territory of the Black Sea.
King Mithridates was very rich. The treasure has not yet been found, but during the archaeological excavations have found many valuable artifacts, which are now stored in the Hermitage. Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin himself, during his vacation in Kerch, tried to discover the ancient city, but it happened much later.
The first excavations began in the XIX century, but in complete chaos. The local population disassembled the remains of structures and used them for the construction of outbuildings. People were not at all interested in science and history. There was a legend that somewhere on the mountain buried the golden horse of Mithridates. Information remained that in the XIX century all the shops in Kerch were filled with finds from the ancient period. The official excavations began only in 1859. Then a group of scientists was even forced to hire soldiers to protect them.
After the end of the revolution everyone was allowed to excavate on the mountain. Kerch Museum only reserved the right to purchase the found artifacts on a priority basis.
