If you are visiting Novy Svet or Koktebel on Tonic’s recommendation, make sure to visit the nearby Sudak fortress as well. Built in the 14th century, this giant Genoese structure offers fascinating stone architecture and gorgeous views of the Black Sea. It’s also known for being one of the best built, most impenetrable fortresses of its day.
The Sudak fortress, which may well become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is interesting in that it was built by the Italians and remains the best preserved structure of its kind on the northern 
Black Sea coast. The Venetians actually settled on the land in the years prior, but the fort was built after their Italian rival, the Genoese, took over. Other such architecture in and around the fortress are even older, dating back to the 6th century.
I visited the fortress on my way to Koktebel, and I was clearly impressed by the sheer size of the fortification. My friend and I climbed up Kryposna 
Mount (though camel travel was an option) to the fortress and then walked to its upper level, and that’s where we realized what an amazing seaside view (see photo at right as an example) this place actually had. One can only imagine what this giant fortress must have looked like to boats sailing toward Sudak all those centuries ago.
One must think the fortress will in fact become a UNESCO site because of its beauty, size, strength and its interesting connection between Italy and Crimea. It’s definitely a sight to behold.
