Kalamita Fortress, Medieval fortress on Monastyrskaya Skala plateau in Inkerman, Ukraine
Kalamita Fortress is a medieval fortification built on the Monastyrskaya Skala plateau above the town of Inkerman, on the Crimean Peninsula. It consists of stone walls and several towers set along the edge of a steep cliff.
The fortress was built by the Byzantines in the 6th century and later became a key stronghold of the Principality of Theodoro. In 1475, Ottoman forces captured it, bringing the previous era of rule to a close.
The rock face around the fortress is riddled with chambers and corridors once used by monks for daily life and prayer. The cave monastery next to the walls is still active today and open to visitors.
The ground is rocky and uneven throughout the site, so sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. Stone staircases cut into the cliff lead directly from the fortress down to the cave monastery next to it.
The southern edge of the plateau drops straight down to the Chernaya River, meaning part of the fortification relied entirely on the natural cliff rather than built walls. The builders focused their construction efforts on the more exposed northern and eastern sides instead.
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