Kerch

Kerch is a city on the Kerch Peninsula of eastern Crimea, is an important industrial, transport and tourist centre of Ukraine. Kerch is one of the most ancient cities of Ukraine. The city spread around the ancient ridge of Mitridates. Archeological digs at Mayak village near the city ascertained that the area had already been inhabited in 17th–15th centuries BC.
Kerch as a city starts its history in 7th century BC, when Greek colonists from Miletus founded a city-state named Panticapaeum (which means fish road) on the shore of Kerch Strait. The city was built on the top of the Mount Mitridates.
From the 6th century AD the city was under Byzantine Empire control. By order of Emperor Justinian I a citadel named Bospor was built there. Bospor was the center of a diocese and developed under the influence of Greek Christianity.
In response to strengthening of Russian military forces in Azov area, Turks built a fortress of Yenikale the city on the shore of Kerch Strait. In 1771 Russian Army invaded Crimea and by the Peace Treaty of Kuchuk-Kainarji, Kerch and Yenikale were ceded to Russia. As a result, the Turkish heritage has been almost completely wiped out. In 1790 Russian naval forces under the command of admiral Fyodor Ushakov defeated the Turkish fleet at the Battle of Kerch Strait.
During the Great Patriotic War of 1941 to 1945, Kerch was the site of heavy fighting between Soviet Army and Axis forces.
Because of its location on shores of Azov and Black seas, Kerch became a popular summer resort among people of former USSR. Also, several mud-cure sources are located near the city. Despite the seaside location, the tourist appeal of Kerch today is limited because of the industrial character of the city and associated pollution. Despite the lack of beaches in town`s area, there are a lot of them at distance of 20 minute travel by bus, train or taxi.