Cembalo, Medieval fortress in Balaklava, Crimea
Cembalo is a fortress situated on a mountaintop at the southeastern edge of Balaklava Bay, featuring thick defensive walls and round towers. The site contains storage buildings, fortification structures, and an intricate system for collecting and storing water.
Originally founded in the 14th century by Genoese traders as a trading post and defense point, it later came under Ottoman control who reinforced it as a military stronghold.
The name comes from ancient Greek and refers to the harbor tradition of this region, which remains visible in how the place is shaped today.
The climb to the fortress is steep and requires good footwear and plenty of water, especially on hot days. The ruins are largely exposed, so you should be prepared for uneven ground and slippery sections.
One striking feature is the underground water tank inside the Consular tower, which drew water from mountain springs through a complex pipe network. This engineering shows how thoughtfully medieval fortresses managed their most essential resource.
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