Feodosia in 3 Russian words

Gateway to Russia

Jul 08 2025

Polozovsky

This is one of the oldest cities in Russia. It is famous for its combination of Greek, Armenian, Turkish, Italian and Russian architecture. Here are three of its main symbols.

1. ГЕНУЭЗСКАЯ КРЕПОСТЬ (Genoese Fortress)

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From the 13th to the 15th century, Feodosia belonged to the Genoese and was the center of their rule in the Northern Black Sea region. The remains of the fortress are a reminder of those times. Most of the internal buildings were destroyed by the 19th century. Of the 718 meters of walls, 469 have survived today and only a few of the original 34 towers.

2. ИВАН АЙВАЗОВСКИЙ (Ivan Aivazovsky)

Public domain

The famous Russian marine artist was born in Feodosia on July 29, 1817. Aivazovsky did a lot for his native city: He successfully lobbied for the construction of a railway to the city of Dzhankoy and the expansion of the seaport and also bequeathed his collection of paintings to it as a gift. The artist also died in Feodosia.

3. ДАЧА СТАМБОЛИ (Stamboli's Dacha)

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Major tobacco manufacturer Joseph Stamboli built this mansion in 1914 as a gift to his wife. The huge luxurious house with an overall area of 1,500 square meters is designed in an oriental style with a tower in the form of a minaret and decorated with various tobacco symbols.