This former capital of the Crimean Khanate includes the 16th-century Khan's Palace, traditional Tatar houses, and cave monasteries carved into limestone cliffs.
Bakhchysarai sits in a narrow valley 30 kilometers from Simferopol. In this former capital of the Crimean Khanate, you can walk through the 16th-century Khan's Palace with its marble fountains, explore the cave city of Chufut-Kale carved into limestone cliffs, and follow mountain paths to ancient monasteries hidden in rock faces.
Exploring the Khan's Palace
The 16th-century Hansaray complex covers 18 hectares of gardens and buildings. Walk through the Demir Qapı portal from 1503, where Arabic inscriptions decorate the stone entrance. Inside, you'll find the Khan's living quarters, two mosques, and the famous Fountain of Tears - the subject of Alexander Pushkin's poem. Several rooms now house the Museum of Crimean Tatar History, with coins, weapons, and manuscripts from the Khanate period.
Ancient Cave Cities
Climb the path to Chufut-Kale, where limestone cliffs hold a complete fortress-city. You can walk through two kenesas (Karaite temples) and examine living quarters carved directly into rock. From here, hiking trails lead to the Mangup-Kale plateau, where 6th-century ruins include a citadel and several churches. The site contains a network of underground passages and chambers that once stored food and water.
Religious Architecture
The Zyndzhirly Madrasa, built in 1501, educated Islamic scholars for four centuries. At the Uspensky Cave Monastery, follow stone steps cut into the cliff face to reach caves and chapels on multiple levels. Inside the monastery church, you'll see frescoes from different centuries, and can drink from a natural spring that flows through the complex.
Getting Around Bakhchysarai
Take local buses (marshrutkas) between the train station and Old City - they run every 15-20 minutes throughout the day. A red-marked hiking trail creates a 12-kilometer loop connecting the Khan's Palace, cave cities, and monastery. The walk from the train station to the Khan's Palace takes about 30 minutes along the main street, passing houses with wooden balconies and carved gates typical of Crimean Tatar architecture.
Local Craft Traditions
Visit silversmiths' workshops near the Khan's Palace to see craftspeople creating jewelry and decorative items. At the Usta workshop, artisans use centuries-old techniques to make metalwork, embroidery, and ceramics. Head to the central market in the morning to find local vendors selling fresh bread, dried fruits, and mountain honey.
