Three Riders church in Eski Kermen, Medieval cave church in Eski Kermen, Crimea.
The Three Riders church in Eski Kermen is a rock-cut chapel carved directly into the stone plateau with two interior sections divided by columns. The space features stone benches built into the walls and receives daylight from two small window openings cut into the rock face.
The church was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and features a fresco on its northern wall depicting three mounted figures including Saint George. This sanctuary became part of a sprawling settlement that served as a regional spiritual center throughout the medieval period.
This religious structure forms part of an extensive network of over 400 cave formations within the ancient settlement of Eski Kermen.
Access to the church is through the main gate at the southern end of the plateau, leading directly to the settlement's central pathway. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the pathways to this and other caves on the slope are uneven and require some walking.
The church features a southeastern entrance with a side altar positioned above a small grave, with additional burial space near the northern wall. This arrangement reveals that the sanctuary functioned not merely as a place of prayer but also as a burial ground for community members.
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