Mount Opuk: the description and photo

The Crimean mountain Opuk is one of the most amazing places on the Kerch peninsula. It is a natural reserve that has not only a rich animal and plant world, but also archaeological monuments.

Location and description of the mountain

Mount Opuk in the Crimea is located in the south of the Kerch Peninsula. Its height is 183 meters. The southern slope is covered with rocks, precipitous. And since the mountain is located on the Black Sea coast, it constantly experiences the impact of the surf. Opuk - plastoobraznaya upland, consisting of reef limestones. On the top of the mountain there are deep and wide crevices of tectonic origin, the depth of which reaches up to 20 meters. As a result, a huge natural ladder formed on the Opuk.

The rocks come to the surface, forming long white crests. The southern slope has several picturesque grottoes. There are wells with fresh water. These are the only sources of fresh water in the Opuk reserve. Mount Opuk Surrounded by steppe. But it differs from others with its unique landscapes, vegetation, wildlife and historical monuments.

Near the sea are four rock-islands, which are called Ships. Previously they were connected by a mountain, forming a large ridge. Sedimentary rocks of the mountain have a strong limestone. This delays the destruction of the southern slope and the rocks of the Ships.

Koyash Lake

Mount Opuk has its own small lake at the foot. He also has a second name - Koyashskoye. It is small, only 5 square kilometers. It is located at the foot of Opuk. The depth of the lake is only one meter. There is no exit to the sea. This is hindered by a hundred-meter mound. When the shallowing of the reservoir begins, then the southwestern part of the lake is separated by a small oblique. The water is mostly salty, but there are also freshened areas on which vegetation grows.

The lake is replenished from artesian sources and due to precipitation. Opukskoe Lake looks beautiful from the top of the mountain. The banks, white from salt, frame the pink waters of the reservoir. Such a shade is attached to algae dunaliella and artemia shrimps that live in the lake.

Ancient Kimmerick

Between Lake Kojash and Mount Opuk in the 5th century BC. The Asiatic colonists built the city of Cimmeric. In ancient times it was one of the seaside fortresses guarding the ports and the coast from ferocious nomads. The walls were built very thick, stone. The material the colonists took from the quarries, which have survived to our time.

In the 3rd century AD. E. The city was completely destroyed by the Goths. And he came to desolation. The excavations of Kimmerik began in Soviet times. Fragments of dwellings and city walls were found. And on the shore was a lighthouse. Until now, ancient wells have been preserved on the territory of the city, in which there is water.

Opuk Reservoir

Among the attractions of the Black Sea coast there is the Opuk reserve (Kerch). Mount Opuk is on its territory. The area of the reserve is 1592 hectares. It was created mainly because of the unique species of birds that live on Mount Opuk. But not only they are guarded by the reserve.

The flora and fauna of Mount Opuk

Opuk can rightfully boast of its unique animal world. Only here live and nest pink starlings. Nowhere else in the Crimea, these birds are not found. In recent years, due to the fact that the territory of Opuk was declared protected, the number of pink starlings has increased noticeably.

In the mountain caves there is a colony of bats - witty nostrils. Of the relatives of the batters and horseshoes, one can see much less often. Black Sea salmon and Atlantic sturgeon live in the sea . In addition to pink starlings, 60 species of birds also nest on Opuk. There are many predators.

On the mountain slopes, mostly rosehips, elder, thorn, buckthorn, ephedra and kermek. The surrounding area is covered with grass vegetation. In spring there are many colors: tulips, carnations, poppies and others. On sandy lake shores grow linen and bedridden. Of plants, 16 species are listed in the Red Book. For example, several species of feather grass, katrana, coastal carrot and others.

Mount Opuk: The Karadag Monster

Over the past few centuries, the world has been agitated by the legend of an unknown and unusual beast living in the coastal waters of Mount Opuk. Even the stories of eyewitnesses were described. Unknown to science, the beast was described as a six-meter monster with a large head. Eyewitnesses claimed that it was a snake with fins, large brow ridges and huge yellow eyes.

True, according to the descriptions, the head of the beast was one like a hare, another - a horse, some - with giraffe horns. As an indirect evidence of the existence of the monster could come only dolphins, who were found on the shore with lacerations on their stomachs.

But, as it turned out, in the coastal waters of Mount Opuk is inhabited not by an unknown beast, but by a rare gray seal. And very large. This became known through the video recording of one of the drivers, who decided to uncover the mystery of the Opuk monster. Thanks to the shooting, it became known that the eyes of the seal really remind the snake, and the movements are smooth, fast and gliding.

Archaeological sites

A stele with runic signs is the last unique archaeological find on Mount Opuk. Found in recent years by archaeologists. A stele made of stony limestone is made. And the technique of execution is unique. Previously, all such runes found in the world were cut into stone, and Opukskaya was carved. It is dated by the fourth century BC. E., In archeology stele of this period was not found yet.

The location of the stele with runes is also surprising, since excavations in the area of Mount Opuk have been going on for a long time, but such a relic was found for the first time. In the Crimea, there were no analogues at all. The inscription is traditional. On the stele there are four runes with the sun sign pictured above them. Scientists suggest that this is only part of the composition. This version is also supported by the groove found on the side of the stelae.

Archaeologists assume that the stone belonged to mysterious Gerulam (warrior-magus). And they used the stele for their rites. Once the Gerula lived on Mount Opuk. Here was their sanctuary. Archaeologists assume that the stele is a rock-keeper of the mountain. After the discovery of a unique stone with runes, it was sent to the Simferopol Museum for storage.

Opuk Mountain has another mystery. At 17 km from the shore, scuba divers found the remains of a submerged ship. It is crushed by ancient plates, which it is not yet possible to pick up. But you can sink to the bottom and inspect the ship under water.

Rocks Ships

Mount Opuk in Kerch is famous for its amazing cliffs by Ships. They are created by nature itself, without human participation. There are four such cliffs. She is in the sea at a distance of 4 kilometers from the shore. The highest rock is Elken-Kaya. Its height above the water surface is 20 meters.

In 1941, at the top of this rock, a signal lantern was set up, serving as a beacon for the Red Army paratroopers. At that time the sailors performed a heroic feat. And in memory of these people on the mountain was installed a memorial. To the ships you can order a boat tour.