Vorontsov Palace + tasting

The Yalta road itself is very picturesque: on the right there are poetic seascapes, on the left there are bizarre mountains and rocks framed by a dense evergreen forest. From the windows of the bus you will see an endless series of beautiful landscapes, amazing ancient parks, majestic palaces, as well as buildings of supermodern health resorts and villas.

The picturesque beauty of the Livadia Park will not leave you indifferent, having strolled and photographed in the park of the Livadia Palace, we will continue our way to the Swallow’s Nest.

Crimea is famous for palaces with original architecture. One of the most famous masterpieces of local architecture is the Vorontsov Palace, built in the neo-Moorish style. It is part of the Alupka Palace and Park Museum-Reserve, which consists of five buildings located on the territory of the landscape park.

This magnificent palace, reflecting the romantic tendencies of English architecture of the 19th century, served as the residence of Count Vorontsov, Governor-General of the Novorossiysk Territory. The owner ordered the development of the project from the English architect Edward Blore, who was able to create a surprisingly harmonious design from a distance that fits perfectly into the mountain landscape.

An unusual combination of elements of English style with an exotic neo-Moorish fleur gives the building an individuality. The architect managed to organically combine the Gothic chimneys and the eastern splendor of the design of the southern entrance. In the decor there are many unique interweavings of the east and west, thanks to which the palace is not like other large-scale buildings of the period.

The design of the palace provides everything necessary for the residence of a noble person:

• Central building with numerous living rooms and bedrooms, dining room and billiard room;
• Guest building;
• Eastern wings;
• Several observation towers;
• Household buildings;
• The courtyard;
• Library building;
• Park terraces.

Until the October Revolution, the palace was owned by the Vorontsov family. With the arrival of the Soviets, it was nationalized, and in 1921 a museum was opened here.

During the Great Patriotic War, the palace was looted twice by the occupiers. In 1945, as part of the Yalta Conference, Winston Churchill lived here together with members of the British delegation.

For 10 years after the end of the war, state officials rested here, and in 1956 the government decided to turn the Vorontsov Palace into a museum again. In 1990, it became the centerpiece of the Alupka Museum-Reserve.

Since the middle of the 20th century, the territory of the Vorontsov Palace has repeatedly become a scenery for Soviet films. Here shot scenes from such film masterpieces as “Scarlet Sails”, “Ordinary Miracle”, “Stoves-benches”, “After the rain on Thursday”, “Ten Negroes”, “Hamlet”.

And finally, the final destination of the route – Yalta – the uncrowned capital of Crimea. There is a small sightseeing tour, during which you will see a huge old plane tree - Isadora Duncan, the famous Dancing Fountains, the elegant Villa Sofia, the Alley of Stars. After the tour – time for an independent walk. Descending a beautiful mountain amphitheater to the sea, the south-bank beauty of Yalta will appear before you in all its glory. It should be noted that the Yalta embankment is the most beautiful in Europe. Bright, elegant, it is able to create a wonderful mood at any time of the day, but especially good in the evening. Shining with lights of colorful evening illumination, Yalta will give you the feeling of a real holiday. Here, on the embankment, you can listen to and watch the performances of various musicians and artists, admire the numerous pleasure boats, luxury yachts, snow-white cruise ships, visit cozy restaurants and cafes, watch the magical game of numerous light and musical fountains...

Returning to Sevastopol after your stay in Yalta will also give you many pleasant minutes. The view of the coast along which the road winds is simply stunning. The famous Crimean temple in the evening light. And the view of the night South Coast of the Crimea from a bird's eye view will simply drive you crazy! Photos taken against the background of this Crimean miracle will be very spectacular!