Arriving in Crimea on vacation, many do not even suspect that they had a unique opportunity to visit a natural monument - the Belbek Canyon. Those who decided on such a trip, were able to admire the unusual views that can not be found elsewhere.
General information
Belbek Canyon is a natural monument (photos are shown below), which is of national importance. It is located in the Bakhchisarai district of Crimea. Its total area is one hundred hectares.
In 1969, this place was a natural monument of local importance, but six years later, in 1975, a reorganization was carried out, and the canyon acquired national importance. To this day, the status of this area has not changed, and the territory is under protection.
The appearance of the canyon
In the distant years, Belbek was a full, full-flowing river. She traveled many kilometers, carrying a stream of fleeting water. Under pressure, the mountains gradually eroded, giving way to the river. Belbek. Each year, the riverbed became deeper and more voluminous. As a result, a gorge appeared today between the stone massifs of the internal mountains of Crimea, known today as the Belbeksky canyon. The natural monument today is a spectacular and impressive place.
general description
The canyon begins near the village of Kuybyshevo and stretches five kilometers to the village of Tankovoy. Entering the "gate", you can immediately notice a huge gorge along which, like sides, are 70-meter stone cliffs. But the maximum height of these walls can reach 350 meters, given the roughness of the gorge and its deepening. The sides of the canyon are spread out over 300 meters.
Below the river continues to flow, although it is no longer as turbulent as many years ago, but marl slopes stand at an angle of 45 0 near it. Although today the Belbek River has become smaller in size than in previous years, but, nevertheless, it is the most full-flowing on the Crimean peninsula.
Nature
The natural monument (Belbek canyon) is distinguished by vegetation. For example, fluffy and rocky oaks are visible on the slopes. Rose hips, dogwood, hold-tree and hawthorn also grow. On the left bank of Belbek on the southwestern slope you can see the relict yew grove, it consists of 2, 000 trees. Interestingly, it has been a local reserve since 1980.
Canyon and research
Today, Belbek Canyon is an important scientific object for research. Since this geological section appeared naturally, stratigraphy of the Lower Paleogene and the Upper Cretaceous of the peninsula is studied here. The river was able to gently erode and open to the eyes of scientists paleogene and Upper Cretaceous rocks. If you go down the river, it is easy to notice white and gray limestones, as well as deposits of sandstones with their inherent fauna. Further tiers with other types of limestone, sandstone and clay are traced. Each new section is characterized by its own fossil fauna.
Canyon Features
Visiting the natural monument - Belbek Canyon, you can see the centuries-old inhabitants of the sea. Among them, sea urchins, oysters and nummulites can be seen on the stone canvas.
In addition, you can notice that the sides of the canyon are quite diverse: some are dotted with cracks, others are decorated with folds, shelves, niches and pockets. The picturesque picture is complemented by small grottoes.
Many tourists paid attention to statues similar to the Egyptian sphinxes and huge dinosaurs. There is also an unusual ribbed surface, which surprises with the fact that only the wind worked on its “sculpture”, without the help of a person.
Historical echoes
Here archaeologists conducted their research, and under the canopies of the gorge, they found signs of camps of primitive inhabitants. Cro-Magnons lived in the grottoes of the rocks, mainly engaged in fishing and hunting. In those days, there were many large deer, bulls, wild horses and bears living in caves. Local reservoirs were rich in salmon, carp, and other rare fish for these places.
Archaeologists who studied the natural monument (Belbek Canyon) determined that a little later this territory was inhabited by Mesolithic. These favorable places attracted fishermen and hunters of ancient times. For them, it was a paradise - food, water and shelter.
Over time, here, on the plateau of Cape Kule-Burun, near the village. Small Sadovoe, the Syuyren fortress was erected. But today you can see only some fragments left from the round tower and the defensive walls. These "fossils" date back to the 8th century. But there are also found elements of frescoes. This fact indicates that after the fall of the fortress, local residents erected their church on the ruins. This cape can be reached by an ancient road running from the western side.
Active facilities
An Orthodox monastery functioned in a cave near the church, and it was called Chelter-Koba. But then he remained desolate for several years. Over time, the monastery was restored and at the moment it continues to conduct services.
If you went to the monastery, then after visiting it you can visit the winery, built in the Middle Ages. To get into it, you can go through a grove of yew, behind which there will be a real wine-making complex. This place is loved by tourists who come to Belbek Canyon.
