Golitsyn Grotto, Natural cave in Sudak Municipality, Ukraine.
Golitsyn Grotto is a natural cave in the Sudak region with multiple chambers whose rock walls contain carved wine storage areas. The interior extends 25 to 30 meters (80 to 100 feet) upward within Koba-Kaya Mountain.
Prince Lev Golitsyn developed a trail to this grotto in 1912 specifically for Tsar Nicholas II to visit and taste locally produced sparkling wine. This royal visit established the site's lasting importance in the region.
The site functioned as a Christian monastery where monks sought shelter within the rock during medieval times. Traces of religious paintings on the walls tell the story of how people once used this sacred space.
A 5-kilometer trail connects the grotto to nearby bays and takes about two hours to walk. Plan your visit for dry weather when the paths are easiest to navigate.
The cave contains a natural stage where Russian opera singer Feodor Chaliapin once performed concerts, taking advantage of its exceptional acoustics. The space demonstrates how the rock formation itself creates a surprisingly clear sound environment for music.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
