Balaklava

In Balaklava, the main attraction for us was a top-secret submarine base (825 GTS Object). But the Balaklava Bay is a paradise for photographers. Just in several hundred meters from the center you can see the beautiful Crimean Mountains.

Having walked along the waterfront, we didn't miss the opportunity to climb to the ruins of the Cembalo Fortress and admire the stunning scenery. In 2008, the part of the fortress tower was destroyed because of the weather (the photos below had been made one year earlier).

The map of Balaklava is simple: on the left side of the bay there are a waterfront and the Cembalo Fortress, while on the right side is the road to the museum. We took a tour around the museum and were much pleased. The object is really huge, and the doors are about two meters thick.

The 825 GTS Object, or the local telephone station, as it was called officially for the locals, is a 600-meter tunnel under the mountain. It can accommodate 7-9 submarines and 10,000 people. In case of a direct nuclear strike, they will be able to live independently for 3 years. Curiously that during 30 years Balaclava residents didn't ever know about the object located near the downtown: the boats went to the base in a submerged position.

In 2010, the press reported that the leadership of the Russian Black Sea Fleet wanted to restore the base for its intended purpose. However, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry immediately stated that it was contrary to the Constitution of Ukraine.

Getting there: From Sevastopol by trolleybuses ##2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 20 to their common endpoint "Pyatyj Kilometr" ("Fifth Kilometer") and then to Balaklava by bus #9 or minibus with the same number.