Opuk quarries, Stone quarry and catacombs system at Mount Opuk, Kerch Peninsula
The Opuk quarries consist of an extensive network of tunnels and chambers carved into the limestone bedrock of Mount Opuk on the Kerch Peninsula. The system spans multiple levels and contains many passages that reveal the geological layers of the mountain.
Stone extraction at this site dates back to ancient times, with work continuing over many centuries as demand for building material grew. During World War II, the tunnels served as shelters for resistance groups fighting against German occupation.
The quarries show how people extracted limestone over many centuries using practical methods and tools adapted to the stone. You can still see the marks of this work on the tunnel walls and passages today.
Professional guidance is necessary when exploring due to the complex tunnel layout and safety concerns in underground passages. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground, limited light, and potentially damp conditions underground.
The limestone from these quarries was used to build many structures throughout the Kerch region, giving the underground chambers special importance to local construction history. Many of these buildings still stand today and show this historical connection.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
