What to see in Feodosia for free

There are many free attractions in Feodosia that perfectly diversify your stay in this cozy resort. These are mainly historical sites, walking areas, architectural monuments and much more. We present to your attention a large list of free attractions of Feodosia with their opening hours and how to get to them:

The Genoese fortress of Kafa

The Theodosian Genoese fortress of Kafa is an ancient monument of the history and slave trade of the Black Sea region. This is the most famous and interesting historical landmark of Feodosia. One of its towers, the Tower of Constantine, is a symbol of the city and is depicted on its coat of arms.

Kafa is considered one of the most powerful defensive structures in Europe. Its design included two walls that protected almost 70 hectares of land. Absolutely nothing has been preserved in the architecture of Feodosia from the period of antiquity, since it fell from the invasion of the Huns back in the IV century.

Today there is not much left of the fortress, since most of the fortifications of the ancient Kafa were dismantled for building materials in the XIX century by local residents. It is best to explore the fortress with guides who will tell the story in detail and pay attention to the most interesting parts of the fortress. However, group tours or electric car tours include only a visit to the most basic remnants of the fortress. If you want to see everything, including those rarely visited by tourists, then it's best to arm yourself with a map and walk through the streets of the old town on your own. Read more about the fortress and photos here.

Tower of Constantine

This is the oldest historical monument closest to the center and the northern part of the Genoese fortress. It was built in the 14th century and named after the Roman Emperor Constantine. It was the node of the defense of Kafa (this is the medieval name of Feodosia). From it there were fortress walls with five gates guarded by soldiers, but today the tower stands alone and is not connected to the main part of the ruins of the fortress. In the 19th century, the tower was moved 100 meters further from the sea due to the construction of the pot and the railway, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the upper part was restored – merlons (teeth). Read more about the Tower of Constantine here.

Dacha-Stamboli Palace

By itself, the Stamboli cottage is an architectural landmark, but in addition, today it houses the museum of underwater archaeology. Even if you are not interested in underwater archaeology at all, this building is worth exploring at least from the outside. It is made in the Moorish style and many tourists, seeing it for the first time, exclaim: "This is a mosque!". But there has never been a mosque in this palace, and its history is very interesting.

The construction of the palace began in 1909 and lasted five years until 1914. A very rich local merchant, Joseph Stamboli, conceived the construction, and wanted to present the palace as a wedding gift to his future wife, Rachel Ilyinichna Kalf. But Joseph Stamboli lived in the palace for only three years, and after the revolution the whole family left the Crimea and emigrated.

In 1920, the Cheka was housed in the palace and prisoners were kept here. In 1921, a sanatorium was opened here, which was named after Joseph Stalin in 1925. During the war, the dacha became a German hospital, and a German military cemetery was organized nearby. After the war, the building again returned to its peaceful purpose, and a pioneer camp was established here. Since 1970, the Dovzhenko narcological clinic has been working here, and after the collapse of the USSR – a private restaurant. In 2013, it was decided to open a museum of underwater archaeology here.

Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel or Surb Reshtakapetai

This is the ancient Armenian church of Theodosia, which has not been operating for many years at the moment. But perhaps sometime in the future it will work again and become an attractive historical landmark. Unfortunately, now it can be viewed only from the outside, it is impossible even to enter the territory of the temple, fenced. Built of rubble and hewn stone in 1408, it was renovated in 1970. It is interesting for its medieval Armenian architecture, close to Italian churches with elements of Romanesque style. Read more about the Church of Michael and Gabriel here.

Armenian Fountain

The Armenian fountain is a historical and architectural landmark, its construction dates back to 1491 or 1584. Of course, it is not functioning now, but after construction it was part of the city's general drinking water supply system. It was built by the Armenian community in the traditional Armenian architecture of those times – in the form of a prism. You can look at the fountain while walking around the old town, it is also convenient to reach it while visiting Mount Mithridates. On purpose, just for the sake of the fountain itself, it may not be worth getting here. Read more about the Armenian Fountain here.

Thomas Tower

Thomas Tower is the ruins of a medieval tower in Feodosia, of which, unfortunately, almost nothing remains (see photo). Nevertheless, it is a historical and architectural monument and one of the rare and little-known sights of Feodosia. In the past, it was part of the complex of the medieval Genoese fortress.

We will not necessarily recommend visiting it on purpose, but if you have already looked at all the places in the city and want to see something new, then you can walk to the ruins of the tower. It is convenient to visit it together with Mount Mithridates, the tower is located on its southern slope. Read more about the Thomas Tower here.

Giovanni di Scaffa Tower

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. It 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. Read more about Giovanni di Scaffa Tower here.

Fountain "To the Good Genius"

Today's fountain was opened in 2004 and is dedicated to the artist Aivazovsky. It is installed on the place where in the last century the inhabitants of Feodosia erected a monument-fountain as a sign of gratitude to the artist's family. But the first monument did not last long. At first it was closed due to the fact that it was poorly designed and flooded everything around, and during the Great Patriotic War it disappeared without a trace, and its place was taken by a monument to the pioneer-partisan Vita Korobkov (now located in a nearby park). Read more about the fountain "Good genius" here.

Aivazovsky Fountain

The Aivazovsky fountain appeared here in 1888 not at all for beauty. It so happened that at that time the city began to experience an acute shortage of drinking water, and it was even delivered in barrels from another city. There was a Subash spring on the territory of Aivazovsky's estate, but water from it somehow had to be delivered to the city center. And then Aivazovsky personally designed and at his own expense built a water pipe from the source to the city center, and provided people with clean drinking water. Today, the fountain is an architectural landmark, and no longer matters as a source of water. Read more about the Aivazovsky Fountain here.

Fountain of Love

The Fountain of love or fountain of lovers was opened in 2017 in the heart of the main tourist street of Feodosia Galeriynaya near the place where the famous sign "place for kisses" used to be. The bronze sculpture of the fountain depicts a couple in love, who is hiding under an umbrella, along which the fountain streams.

A place to kiss

This is perhaps the funniest attraction in Feodosia and one of the most photographed. On Galeriynaya Street, at the intersection near the fountain, this sign was installed, thereby marking the place where you should kiss. Of course, you don't need to take this sign literally and merge in a passionate kiss every time under it, but you can for fun.

Monument to Vita Korobkov

There are many monuments in Feodosia, but one of them occupies a special place – this is a monument to pioneer Vita Korobkov. It is located on Sycamore Alley next to Jubilee Park, next to monuments to such figures and heroes as Ivan Poddubny, Amet Khan Sultan, Ivan Nazukin and others. Most tourists pass by it without even paying attention. But if you know the history of the feat that this fifteen-year-old boy deserved to be immortalized in memory, then you will look at him with a completely different look. Read more about the monument to Vita Korobkov here.

St. Catherine's Church

St. Catherine's Church, in our opinion, is the most beautiful church in Feodosia, and you will meet her as soon as you arrive in Feodosia by bus, since it is located right next to the intercity bus station.

The foundation stone was laid on April 21, 1892 - in honor of the birth of Catherine II and also in memory of the annexation of Crimea to Russia. The temple is a vivid example of Russian cult architecture in the architectural traditions of the XVII century.

Surb Sarkis Armenian Church and Aivazovsky grave

Surb Sarkis translates as the church of St. Segius. It is one of the oldest Armenian churches in Crimea. It was built in 1330 in the traditional Armenian style - the walls of the temple abound with embedded khachkars (stone crosses with complex ornaments). The entrance to the territory of the temple in ancient times was a rich portal, which during the reconstruction of 1888, after a fire, was converted into a bell tower. Decorated walnut doors from the entrance are exhibited in the Hermitage, the second one is in the Feodosiya Museum of Antiquities. The artist Aivazovsky was baptized in this church, he was married here, and was buried in 1900. 44 years later, his second wife, Anna, was also buried here. Read more about Surb Sarkis here.

Church of All Saints

The first church in the name of All Saints in the land of the Russian Risen was built on this site in the 1880s next to the old city cemetery, where for many centuries the eminent and honorable inhabitants of Feodosia were buried. It existed for more than seventy years, but in 1938 the church was closed during the struggle of the Soviet government with religion, and in 1961 the temple building was specially recognized as an emergency and it was decided to demolish it. However, it could not be destroyed, and it was decided to undermine it, which the military did secretly under cover of night.

The restoration of the temple on the old site began only in 1992. The works were carried out according to old drawings and photographs in order to give the new temple the maximum resemblance to the original one. The works were completed in 2003. Today, the church has a theological school and a small museum.

Mufti-Jami Mosque

The Mufti-Jami Mosque is the only Muslim religious building since the time of the rule of the Ottoman Empire in Feodosia. It was built in 1623, in the Ottoman architectural tradition. After the annexation of Crimea to Russia, the mosque was given over to the Armenian Catholic Church of the Assumption and served Armenians in this capacity from the end of the XVIII to the beginning of the XX century. In 1975, through the efforts of restorers, the mosque acquired its original appearance, and in the 90s of the twentieth century it was returned to the Muslim community and regular services have been held since 1998. The mosque can be viewed from the outside and get inside, but non-Muslims are not allowed to enter during services. Read more about the Mufti-Jami Mosque here.

Church of the Holy Great Martyr Dmitry Solunsky

This temple is part of the complex of ancient temples located next to the fortress. This is the only functioning temple in Feodosia with unique frescoes of the XIV century. Unfortunately, time has not spared the paintings and only fragments of ancient frescoes have survived, possibly painted by the famous Russian icon painter Theophanes the Greek. According to the inscriptions on the frescoes, it can be established that the temple originally belonged to the Greek church. It was built in the XIV century, survived various historical epochs, but miraculously survived. In 2023 it was restored and today services are held in it. Read more about the temple of Solunsky here.

Church of St. George the Victorious

The Church of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious is one of the medieval Orthodox churches located in Feodosia near the walls of the Genoese fortress of Kafa. It is part of the complex of religious buildings of the citadel, along with the temple of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God and the Church of St. John the Theologian, located nearby. It was founded in the XIV century as part of the monastery. There are some disputes about belonging to the Greek or Armenian church, both of which take place, we will not assert. Read more about the Church of St. George the Victorious here.

Temple of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God

This is an ancient Orthodox church on the territory of the Genoese fortress in Feodosia, which is definitely worth a visit. The temple is active and attracts with its extraordinary atmosphere. Holy relics are kept here, especially revered among parishioners and tourists - the Kaspersky Icon of the Mother of God and icons with particles of the relics of St. Panteleimon the Healer and St. Luke of the Crimea. In the courtyard in front of the main entrance, slabs from ancient Armenian tombstones are laid underfoot. Read more about the temple of the Iveron Icon of the Mother of God here.

Armenian Church of St. John the Theologian

The Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church of St. John the Theologian (John the Evangelist) is a small ancient temple opposite the Genoese fortress, formerly part of the complex of religious buildings of the fortress. Built in the XIV century. The architecture is typical of all Armenian churches, modest, without frills and bright decorative elements. Today the church is not functioning, but services are occasionally held by the forces of the Armenian parish. Unfortunately, it will most likely not be possible to get inside the church, most of the time it is closed. But if you're lucky and the gate is open, you can go in. Read more about the Church of St. John the Theologian here.

Mount Mithridates and the observation deck

Mithridates is the highest point of the old town of Feodosia (55 meters). Part of the defensive fortifications of the fortress (Thomas Tower) was located here, but today only ruins remain of it. During Aivazovsky's lifetime, he built a museum of antiquities on top of it at his own expense, but it was completely destroyed during the war.

Today, one of the most successful viewing platforms is located here, and the city authorities have plans to restore the museum.

Galeriynaya pedestrian street

This fully pedestrian street is a great place for leisurely walks, especially in the evenings. Cafes, restaurants, boutiques, travel agencies, currency exchanges, souvenir shops, etc. are concentrated here. There are also three of the most important museums of Feodosia: the Green Museum, the Museum of Antiquities, the Aivazovsky Gallery. At the height of the season, street performers appear here, something is constantly happening, there are always a lot of people. At the end of the street, where it rests on the embankment, there are a large number of stalls with souvenirs and tourist goods, points for the sale of tours, and from here sightseeing tours of the city are sent by electric vehicles. Learn more about Galeriynaya Street here.

Aivazovsky Avenue

Aivazovsky Avenue is a long street that stretches along the coast of Feodosia for more than two kilometers, and a significant part of it is a pedestrian zone and an excellent place for walking and entertainment. The main walking area on the avenue is a stretch of less than a kilometer, which starts from Jubilee Park. There are many interesting tourist activities and attractions here. You can start walking along the avenue from Jubilee Park. Then you will pass through the Station Square, past Galeriynaya Street and the Rotunda to the busiest part of the street. Here along the route you will meet the Aivazovsky art Gallery, an exhibition of works by street artists, a light and music fountain (open in the evenings). Then there is a series of architectural sights, and the walk will end at one of the architectural symbols of the city – the Stamboli cottage. Read more about Aivazovsky Avenue here.

Embankment of paratroopers

A few years ago, the embankment in some places was a sad sight: broken pavement, concrete blocks, the remains of rusty fences. But today it has turned into another great place for daytime walks and evening promenades. There were beautiful flower beds, sculptures and commemorative signs, benches for recreation, fountains, catering points, improved lighting. Right from the embankment there are passages to the Feodosiya beaches, all of them, by the way, are free. The embankment got its name in honor of the paratroopers who landed in the port of Feodosia during the Great Patriotic War on December 29, 1941. Read more about Aivazovsky Avenue here.

Siebold's Cup

At the beginning of the 20th century, amazing structures were built in the vicinity of Feodosia - Siebold bowls. Their purpose is to collect water from the air by condensing it due to the difference in daytime temperatures. The author of this invention was the forester Fyodor Ivanovich Siebold, and the building in Feodosia was an experimental and only model. The water collector was a stone bowl (the largest was 12 meters in diameter) filled with large pebbles, on which moisture condensed, and then flowed down the gutter. After the construction was completed, the "installation" provided more than 400 liters of fresh water every day for several years. The invention did not receive further development due to the fact that simpler ways to deliver fresh water to the city appeared, but it successfully migrated abroad, where it is still used now, and most likely it will be remembered in the future. Today there is very little left of the three bowls – only stone platforms with concrete sides and overgrown with grass. But as the world's first examples of this kind of technology, they deserve attention. An information plate with a description of the technology of its operation is installed next to the best-preserved bowl.

Replica of an ancient fortress

In one of the corners of Komsomolsk Park there are "ruins" of an ancient fortress dedicated to the founding of the city by the Greeks in the VI century BC. But this is not a historical monument, but an imitation or an art object erected in the nineties of the last century. That is, it is not a real landmark, but just a fake, and therefore it is not under the protection of the state and is not being restored. There's not much to do here and there's nothing to see, but if you walk around the park, you can look into this corner to take some funny photos.

Old Crimea

The old Crimea is a whole city, but for vacationers in Feodosia, Koktebel and other resorts it is a place where you can go during the day as a separate attraction. This ancient city is known as a fascinating tourist destination with several important historical and cultural sites of the early and classical Middle Ages, and the cradle of Tatar and Muslim culture on the peninsula. Excursions from the seaside resorts of Crimea are organized in the Old Crimea, or you can go here yourself during the day for an independent walk through the local ruins, temples and mosques. Read more about the Old Crimea here.

💥 We remind you that it is much more interesting to get acquainted with the sights of Crimea with the help of excursions, and therefore we advise you to look at online booking options on these proven search and price comparison sites:

• 📷 Search for excursions in Feodosia on Sputnik8.com
• 📷 Search for excursions in Feodosia on Tripster.ru