Perekop fortress, 15th-century fortress in Perekop, Russia
Perekop fortress sits on the Perekop isthmus and was once a large fortified complex with walls, towers, and ramparts. The site occupied a strategic position where the Crimean peninsula connects to the mainland.
The fortress was founded by Crimean Tatar rulers in the 15th century and became a turning point in regional defense. It later endured many sieges and changed control multiple times during conflicts between different powers.
The fortress displays features of Crimean Tatar military design that shaped daily life in the khanate. You can still see how the fortification controlled passage and trade across the isthmus for centuries.
Access to the fortress is through the settlement of Perekop and is easiest by foot or vehicle. The ruins lie fairly open and can be explored without major restrictions.
The name Or Qapi means 'gate' in Crimean Tatar and precisely describes the fortress role as the peninsula's entry point. The ruins still carry this name today, revealing how the original builders understood their creation.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
