Ayu-Dag, Mountain summit in Crimea, Ukraine.
Ayu-Dag is a mountain rising from the Black Sea coast in Crimea with distinctive geological layers that formed millions of years ago. The landform stands prominently above the surrounding landscape and creates a recognizable silhouette along the shoreline.
A fortified monastery dedicated to religious figures stood on the mountain from the 8th century until it was abandoned following political changes in the late 15th century. The site remained a spiritual center for many centuries before being left to decline.
The mountain's name originates from Crimean Tatar words 'ayuv' and 'dağ', while ancient Greeks called it Kriou Metopon, meaning Ram's Head.
The area offers several marked trails suitable for walking through different parts of the mountain. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions on the exposed slopes.
The mountain's structure formed through an unusual geological process where molten rock pushed upward and solidified beneath the surface. Several plant species found here grow nowhere else in the world, making it a place of botanical interest.
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