This time we will focus on the medieval metropolis. Yes, Akkerman Fortress is considered one of the largest in Europe. It amazes with its size. In addition, it has a rich history that continues today.
Brief historical background
The ancient Greek city of Tira flourished on the site of the modern fortress. The name itself is rather prosaic. The fact is that the city was built on the banks of the Dniester estuary, in the place where the Dniester river flows into it. In those early days, the river was called Tiras. Accordingly, the name of the city turned out to be almost identical.
The construction of the fortress began in the 13th century. In the 15th century, the Genoese completed a grandiose construction. They wanted to create a real, well-fortified port. They succeeded.
If we are talking about names, then consider one interesting fact. The city of Belgorod-Dnestrovsky and the Sami Akkerman fortress had different names. But, there was one thing in common. The word "white" was always present in them: White stone, city or White fortress.
In 1484 the fortress was captured by the Turks. Sultan Bayezid II threw 4,000 soldiers into battle. They were able to break the resistance of the Moldovan rulers. The 300-year rule of the Turks began.
In the first half of the last century, the fortress came under the control of the Romanians twice. The complete release of Ackerman took place in 1944. Soviet troops drove out Romanians and fascists.
In 1963 the fortress was given the status of an architectural monument of national importance.
Several legends
The Maiden's Tower is located here. Legend has it that during the reign of the Moldavian ruler the Good, his daughter raged here. Tamara was the leader of a band of robbers. When the father found out about the adventures of his daughter, he ordered to close her in the very tower that she had built. There they walled her up.
The second legend concerns the great poet Pushkin. Many researchers believe that it was here that he wrote his great message "To Ovid". The fact is that there is another legend. According to the written letters, Ovid was exiled to Tire.
You yourself understand that there is nowhere without mysticism. There is a legend about the Horned People. Some fishermen claim that sometimes horned people are seen on the walls of the fortress. Researchers have tried to find traces, but to no avail. Some residents claim that their livestock periodically disappears. But the relationship with these horned people has not yet been found.
And the last thing. This legend is very fantastic. Some researchers in all seriousness declare that the Roman legion stationed here is the very one that participated at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
You understand that this is a small sketch of the Belgorod-Dnestrovskaya (Akkerman) fortress. The centuries-old history of the city and the fortress itself is one big legend. In the future, I plan to tell a lot of interesting and fascinating facts about the fortress and the city of Belgorod-Dnestrovsk.