Small Mithridates stairs

This stone staircase climbs Mount Mithridat with 428 steps, connecting the lower city to the hilltop above. Multiple landings are spaced throughout the ascent, providing rest areas and viewpoints over the city and the Kerch Strait.

Built in 1912, these stairs were later designated as protected cultural property. They gained recognition as heritage sites in both Russia and Ukraine due to their historical importance to the region.

The stairs take their name from King Mithridates VI of Pontus, linking Kerch to the ancient Greek kingdoms that once ruled the Black Sea coast.

The stairs are best explored during daylight hours with clear visibility, and sturdy footwear is recommended. The climb requires some physical effort, but taking pauses at the landings makes it manageable at your own pace.

The stairs hold a rare dual heritage status, recognized as a protected monument in both Russia and Ukraine at the same time. This shared status reflects the complex history of the region and makes them a living link between two nations.