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RussiaWhat to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting
There are a lot of rare and little–known historical sights in Feodosia, and one of them is the architectural monument Giovanni di Scaffa tower , or rather its ruins. Oddly enough, not even all locals know about its existence, or perhaps they just don't know that they pass by a historical place every day. At least when we tried to find this place, they couldn't help us, so read in the description below how to get to it and where to find it.
Its diameter at the base is 26 meters, it was round in shape (that's why it is sometimes called the Round Tower of the Genoese fortress). But now, unfortunately, there are only two rounded walls left, and in very poor condition. Restoration of this monument is required, otherwise it may be lost.
The Giovanni di Scaffa tower dates back to the first half of the XIV century, and some sources indicate the exact date of its construction – 1342. It was part of the Genoese fortress, and judging by the thick walls it was intended for long-term defense during powerful enemy sieges. It is assumed that the lower part of the tower was used to store weapons and food supplies, and at the top there were living quarters, possibly barracks. There is a version that the tower was named after the consul of the city Giovanni di Scaffa, but this is not exactly established.
Despite the fact that the tower was given the status of an architectural monument back in Soviet times, no serious archaeological excavations were carried out here, let alone the post-Soviet period. Therefore, most of the information about her is guesswork, and in some cases even fiction. For example, there is a legend (or maybe not) that an underground passage leads from the tower to the Genoese fortress. They also say that Khan Mamai, the ruler of the western part of the Golden Horde (Mamaev Horde), hid his treasures in the underground passage after the defeat at Kulikovo Field.
🕐 Working hours
Around the clock.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket price
Free of charge.
🚶 How to get there
Giovanni di Scaffa Tower is located in the old town at the intersection of Tower and Bolshevist streets/Tatar (Giovanni di Scaffa Tower on the map). There is an asphalt road leading here, it is easy to get there by car using the navigator according to the coordinates from our map. It is not difficult to get here by city buses No. 1a to the Rabochaya Street stop, or on routes 1, 1a, 1b, 2a, 14 or 15 to the Bridge stop and 5 minutes on foot.
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