Grand Mithridates stairs, Monumental stairs in Kerch, Russia.
The Grand Mithridates Stairs form a monumental staircase connecting Kerch's city center to Mount Mithridat's peak. The structure ascends through multiple tiers with rest areas positioned along the path to accommodate visitors making the climb.
Designer Alexander Digby created these stairs in the late 1800s during a major urban renewal in Kerch. The project arose from efforts to connect the city's ancient past with its modernization during that era.
The stairs function as a central gathering place where locals meet for celebrations and daily activities. They link the modern city below with ancient archaeological remains above, forming a natural bridge in community life.
Several rest platforms break up the climb into manageable sections for visitors of different abilities. The path is clearly defined and each level provides different vantage points to pause and look around.
The stairs hold designations from both Ukrainian and Russian heritage authorities, a rare case of a single structure recognized as significant by both nations. This dual recognition reflects the layered history of the region itself.
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