The ancient city on the southwestern coast of the Black Sea is one of the most attractive resorts in the Krasnodar Territory. It is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches (more than 40 km), shallow sea waters off the coast and a special mild climate. Since ancient times, this fertile place has attracted people here, which is reflected in its former names. The Bulgarians called Sindika, the Greeks – Gorgippia, the Genoese – Mapa, the Turks – Anapa.
Archaeological Museum of Gorgippia
You will be able to travel back in time and find yourself in the ancient Greek civilization. Everything you see will allow you to visually imagine the life and life of people of a bygone era. An area of several tens of hectares, located in the historical part of the resort, is a unique reserve. 2 hectares of ancient square already excavated and explored by archaeologists clearly demonstrates ancient urbanization.
Excavations began here at the end of the 19th century under the leadership of N. I. Veselovsky, who later became the founder of the Gorgippia archaeological exhibition (1909). The Greek town, named after the Bosporus king, existed from the 4th century BC. e. to 3rd century AD e. In 238 there was a strong fire that practically destroyed the settlement.
During the Soviet period, the excavations were declared an archaeological museum-reserve in 1977. Hundreds of tourists come here to feel the atmosphere of the famous civilization that has risen from oblivion. Entire blocks with the foundations of residential buildings and outbuildings have been preserved. Here you can see cellars with the remains of clay amphoras for wine, grain barns. Particles of stone carving on the ruins of temples testify to the high artistic level of the masters.
Fragments of sarcophagi and tombstones “tell” about the departed inhabitants of Gorgippia. Looking around the excavations, it is easy to imagine how active and creative the life of the townspeople was. You can get acquainted with the life of the Gorgippians in more detail in the closed part of the reserve – the museum building. It presents authentic artifacts found during excavations: dishes, household utensils, jewelry, etc.
Square of military equipment
You can see exhibits of military equipment for various purposes if you visit the open-air museum located on the Simferopol highway. Against the backdrop of picturesque greenery, concrete platforms are equipped, edged with neat lawns. Soviet and Russian tanks, cannons, planes, helicopters, etc. are displayed on the pedestals.
The place of honor is occupied by the Russian-made SU-27 aircraft. This is a high-class fighter capable of flying and performing a mission in any weather. It is impossible not to admire the power of the BTR-70, the ship's anti-aircraft gun, and the PT-76 amphibious tank. By the Victory Day, the square area was expanded to replenish its territory with new exhibits. Prepared new sites, laid a footpath.
The monument to the legendary pilot Borozdin has been restored. MI-8 and Ka-27 helicopters, T-34 and T-80 tanks appeared among the exhibits. Before being put on public display, the equipment went through a process of demilitarization and renewal. There is a walking area lined with beautiful paving slabs. The area stretching to the Deauville Hotel has become a popular leisure area. Here you can walk at any time of the day, thanks to optimal lighting.
Museum of Local Lore
You can learn a detailed history of the resort by visiting the local museum of local lore. In a small building on St. Protapova deployed expositions illustrating the history of the city in the post-antique era, after the death of Gorgippia. Looking around the exhibits, you will learn about the tribes and nationalities that inhabited these places in different periods. You will see authentic household items, tools used by distant ancestors.
Be imbued with a sense of pride for your fellow Russian warriors-heroes defending the fortress in battles against the Turks. Looking at the exhibition, you will learn how the treatment procedures were organized. What did holidaymakers do in the 18th and 19th centuries, in what costumes did the holidaymakers swim and sunbathe. The section that introduces the flora and fauna of the area is excitingly interesting.
You will see a rich collection of insects, get acquainted with various types of marine fish. The institution has been significantly updated, enriched its fund after a recent overhaul. Exhibitions with the works of Anapa masters are regularly held here. Temporary exhibitions dedicated to significant dates and events are organized.
Choco-workshop “Diana Rudy”
The unusual establishment, which opened in 2018, has already become a popular leisure place for citizens and tourists. Choco-workshop “Diana-Rudy” is a complex that combines a confectionery shop, a cafe and a chocolate museum. A unique institution – the first and only one of its kind in the Krasnodar Territory. This mini-kingdom of chocolate is especially loved by children, but adults also willingly visit it.
Here you will discover the whole history of a delicious product, the subtleties of preparing a treat. You will learn that the Olmec Indians were the first to discover the usefulness of cocoa beans. Here are cocoa fruits and cocoa beans that you can taste. The institution conducts an interesting, informative tour, organized in an interactive manner. A separate exposition is devoted to Russian chocolate. Eyes run up from the exhibition of various chocolate souvenirs: ancient deities, sculptures, medals and even utensils.
The “zest” of the tour is the opportunity to take part in a master class on making some kind of souvenir from chocolate. Newly minted “masters” are awarded a personalized certificate. In conclusion, while enjoying the taste of hot chocolate, you can watch the work of choco masters through a glass partition and buy the freshest products.
einsteinium
The Black Sea resort, not wanting to lag behind in the development of the tourism industry, in 2016 acquired the Einsteinium scientific and entertainment institution. It is located in the residential complex “Krymsky Val” and is one of the branches of the unified network “Entertainment Museums of Science” (RMN). Similar institutions already exist in large cities of Russia. Their goal is to organize popular science education for children and adults.
The Anapa branch was opened on June 1, timed to coincide with the beginning of the beach season. Everything happened in a solemn and festive atmosphere, with performances by artists. The Einsteinium building itself is also unusual, finished with metal-imitating panels and an alluring red sign.
Young visitors are delighted with the wonderful space, where any object, design can not only be touched by hands, but also perform various actions. Visitors experiment with pendulums and levers. Participate in scientific games, do research, put physical and chemical experiments.
Delight is caused by boiling cold water, being inside a soap bubble, touching a power discharge, etc. The “sand animation” created by artists in front of those present is of general interest. The amazing performance “Lightning Theater” enjoys attention. It has already become a tradition to hold birthdays or other celebrations here.
Dinopark Rex
A visit to Dnopark Rex will allow you to find yourself in a fantasy world “inhabited” by huge dinosaurs. Not every city in the world can boast of having such an unusual institution. The city administration took the risk of embodying the world's best entertainment project. Here, on a picturesquely decorated square, there are many giant primitive mammals – dinosaurs.
Moreover, many of them are made in full size. Of particular delight is the ability of some of them to move almost as if alive. The skillful work of the creators of reptiles reflects all the characteristic features of dinosaurs: massive jaws with long fangs, curved claws, even skin folds on the bodies.
Giants of various types are placed on concrete pedestals among gravel sites. Exotic plants around successfully complement the primitive picture. Children are happy to take pictures next to dinosaurs or sitting on them. Work on the further improvement of the park continues. Therefore, judging by the reviews of tourists, the prices for visiting are quite high.
Art Gallery “White Square”
Opened in 2009, the White Square institution is not just an art gallery where works of fine art are exhibited. This is a place where visitors are not limited to viewing the exhibits, but can test their creative abilities. Among the 1,000 exhibits are paintings, applied arts, sculptures, exclusive dolls, and various interior accessories.
Various circles function here, master classes in drawing, modeling, sculpture, wood carving, etc. are held. Connoisseurs of painting are given a wide choice for every taste. The exhibitions showcase art canvases of various trends, ranging from primitivism to abstractionism.
Paintings, graphics by Russian and foreign realist, romantic, surrealist, impressionist artists are presented. The staff of the institution prepares future students, organizes psychological trainings and seminars. The circles are led by qualified masters, professionals, members of the Union of Artists of Russia.
Those who wish can purchase interesting souvenirs, original gift packages made here. Portrait painters paint portraits for individual orders. Designers decorate shop windows, baguette craftsmen make 500 types of wood and plastic baguettes for photos, mirrors, paintings. A visit to the White Square is not only very exciting, but also practically useful.
Crocodile farm
Not every resident of Russia has the opportunity to see 50 live crocodiles in one place. Of course, the crocodile farm in Anapa is inferior in scale to Thai farms, but visiting it will bring undoubted pleasure. Among the inhabitants there are Siamese, Nile crocodiles – huge specimens of 3 meters in length. There are also smaller specimens that look quite harmless.
In addition to crocodiles, cobras, pythons, snakes, anacondas, and turtles live on the farm. Visiting is possible only in the warm season, from May to October. Even October temperatures are detrimental to tropical fauna. A crocodile farm was created in the resort not only so that tourists can see exotic representatives of the fauna, but also to preserve these amphibians.
Many of them are already listed in the Red Book. The main entertainment here, in addition to watching crocodiles, is feeding them. A fish is attached to the fishing rod, which is extended to the animal. If the crocodile is full, it does not immediately rush to the prey, lazily watching it.
Then he instantly opens his jaws and quickly grabs a treat. The feeding procedure takes place under the supervision of specialists. The kids love watching the staff use wand in hand to manipulate these toothy behemoths, making them move.
Oceanarium RIF
Do you want to be in the atmosphere of the marine underwater world with its irresistible beauties without scuba gear and a mask? Then head to the RIF Oceanarium, a facility founded in 2015 and already gaining great popularity among the population. The world of corals, fish and algae of the Great Barrier Reef (Australian coast) and the Red Sea is presented in glass aquariums.
The organizers of the RIF tried to accurately recreate the unique ecosystem of living organisms. The only difference is that you don't have to be a diver to dive deep. Passing along the rows of glass aquariums, you admire a stunning picture. The topography of the seabed is masterfully “created”, different types of coral reef inhabitants are presented.
“Sea forests” – as coral reefs are called – unique formations that develop in warm shallow water, in clear water. In this regard, 20 RIF aquariums are of small volume (from 300 to 4000 liters), so that it would be easier to maintain impeccable cleanliness, photosynthesis and optimal temperature in them. Predatory coral fish live separately from their peaceful relatives.
The irresistible beauty of algae, polyps, corals, exotic fish, octopuses, rays, mollusks – the whole spectrum of coral fauna is represented. There are reef sharks with constant companions – sticky fish and their other rare species: carpet sharks, cat sharks. No one leaves the Oceanarium disappointed – a fantastic sight.
Aquarium “Batiscaphe”
You can get acquainted with the underwater inhabitants of the Black Sea and the World Ocean by visiting an interesting spectacular attraction – the Batiskaf tunnel aquarium. From the sides and from above you are surrounded by the sea space enclosed in many aquariums. It “floats” the panorama of the life of the underwater depths, inhabited by marine and freshwater individuals.
Here you do not need to dive into the depths to see up close, for example, a stingray. This poisonous fish, equipped with a tail needle, reaches a length of 2.5 m. Despite the poisonousness, stingrays are edible. Presented here is a predator – sea rooster, with bright fins resembling a cock's tail. The gurnard has the ability to both swim and fly, so it is very interesting to watch him.
The Black Sea sturgeons, Russian and Atlantic giants weighing 80 kg and 20 m long, amaze the imagination. The rarity of the aquarium is its long-lived eel, which is already 20 years old. He is an old-timer of the Bathyscaphe, has been living in it for 14 years. Judging by the reviews of tourists, they are not very happy with the small volume of the aquarium room and the inflated prices for visiting.