Eski-Kermen Cave Town in Crimea

Eski-Kermen Cave Town in Crimea

Eski-Kermen Cave Town an ancient cave town and fortress located in Crimea Ukraine was built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Empire to defend against invasions and served as a fortress and refuge from nomadic tribes Hundreds of cave chambers carved into the limestone cliffs served as residences churches and stables The 6th century saw the restoration of Roman rule over territories formerly under the Western Roman Empire. The surviving Eastern Roman Empire under Emperor Justinian recaptured North Africa.

This site was an important center of trade and arts in the Middle Ages with over 350 cave dwellings serving as a crucial trading and administrative center before being destroyed by the Mongol army in the late 13th century A thriving center of trade and crafts from the 10th to 13th centuries, it was destroyed by the Mongol army Over 400 cave chambers carved into the limestone cliffs served as residences workshops and storage areas

Remnants of defensive walls city gates carved into the rock / underground passageways: Eski-Kermen Cave Town / photo : stena.ee

A Byzantine fortress built to house the Gothian allied troops later developed into a thriving city center Eski-Kermen a medieval town is located just 6 kilometers from Mankupa in the Bakhchisaray region of Crimea. Founded by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century to defend against Gothturk attacks but conquered by the Khazars in the 7th or 8th century, only the ruins of cave chambers on a rocky plateau remain today It is a popular historical and cultural tourist attraction.