To mark Russia Day, customs officers in Crimea visited memorial and historic sites symbolising the formation and independence of the Russian state. Source: Central Excise Customs (CAT).
Perekop Rampart
The Perekop rampart protected the Crimean peninsula from incursions from the mainland and was the scene of numerous military operations. On 19 May 1787 the imperial cortege of Catherine II entered Perekop — “a stone quadrangular fortification and settlement of several small houses”. The fortress gates bore an aphorism dedicated to the Empress and attributed to Grigory Potemkin: “She sent fear ahead and brought peace.” After Crimea joined the Russian Empire, the Perekop fortifications became a key strategic point in northern Crimea.
Catherine milestones
Between 1784 and 1787, roadside monuments — “Catherine milestones” — were erected along the expected route of Empress Catherine II from Saint Petersburg to Crimea. By the early 1830s twelve such milestones were recorded in Crimea.
Monument to Catherine II
The bronze monument was first unveiled on 18 October 1890 in the city garden, marking the centenary of Crimea’s incorporation into Russia. It was unveiled again on 19 August 2016 on the same site.
The monument to Empress Catherine II, who annexed Crimea to Russia, also commemorates the peninsula’s reunification with Russia.
Church of Saints Equal-to-the-Apostles Constantine and Helena
The oldest Orthodox church in Simferopol. On 26 May 1787 Catherine II attended a luncheon prayer there during her “Tauride journey”.
The church was rebuilt and altered several times. In the Soviet period it was largely destroyed (only one arch remained), but in 1991 a decision was taken to restore it.
Dolgorukov obelisk (Monument to Dolgorukov)
The obelisk was installed on 29 September 1842 in honour of General Field Marshal Prince Vasily Dolgorukov-Crimea, who commanded Russian forces that defeated Turkish-Tatar troops and took Crimea in 1771. It stands near the site of the headquarters of the commander of the 2nd Russian Army in 1771.
State Council of the Republic of Crimea
The building was constructed from 1980 to 1988 and bears inscriptions in Russian, Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar — the official languages of the Republic of Crimea.
“Polite People” memorial
Unveiled on 11 June 2016 with donations from residents across Russia, the memorial honours personnel of Russia’s special operations forces and other servicemen, as well as the events of the “Crimean spring” of 2014.