Mount Mithridat rises at the heart of Kerch, a hill steeped in layers of history and legend. Its name comes from Mithridates VI, the Pontic king who, according to ancient accounts, met his end here after losing his last stronghold. Over two thousand years ago, the summit was crowned by the acropolis of Panticapaeum, the capital of the Bosporan Kingdom, one of the earliest Greek colonies in the region. Even now, the hillside is an open-air museum of sorts, where ongoing excavations reveal fragments of the past—crumbling foundations, scattered columns, and remnants of defensive walls peeking through the grass between winding paths.
The climb to the top is made along the Grand Mithridates Staircase, a monumental structure built in the late 1830s by Italian architect Alexander Digby. With over four hundred steps, the staircase unfolds in a series of terraces, each framed by balustrades and stone urns. Flanking the ascent are pairs of griffins, the mythical creatures that serve as the city’s emblem. Over the decades, the staircase has endured damage from wars and time, but recent restorations have brought it back to life, preserving its grandeur without erasing the marks of history.
At the summit, the Obelisk of Glory stands as a solemn reminder of the past. Erected in 1944, it was the first monument in the country dedicated to the fallen of the Great Patriotic War, and its eternal flame still burns nearby. From this vantage point, the view stretches across Kerch, its port, the strait, and the distant shores of the neighboring region. On clear days, the water shimmers under the sun, and the city below feels both vast and intimate, a place where history and modernity coexist.
The climb takes about fifteen minutes at a leisurely pace, with plenty of opportunities to pause on the terraces and catch your breath. In the evening, the staircase is softly lit, casting long shadows and drawing locals who come to stroll or simply sit and watch the sunset. The light transforms the stone, giving it a warm, almost golden hue, and the air carries the faint scent of salt from the sea.
There’s little shade along the way, so on hot days, the ascent can feel strenuous. Bringing water is a good idea, especially if you’re not used to the climb. For those who prefer not to tackle the stairs, a winding road leads to the top, offering an alternative route by car. The staircase begins at Lenin Square, near the Church of St. John the Baptist, a quiet starting point that contrasts with the bustle of the city below.
The archaeological sites on the hillside are accessible, though walking directly on the ancient masonry is prohibited to preserve the ruins. The paths wind between the remnants of houses and public buildings, offering glimpses into a world that once thrived here. In the evenings, the terraces become gathering spots, where people sit with drinks or simply enjoy the view of the strait. The light softens, the city hums below, and the past feels closer than ever.
Kerch itself is a city of contrasts, where ancient history and Soviet-era architecture stand side by side. The hill of Mithridat is one of its most striking features, a place where the layers of time are visible in every stone. Whether you come for the history, the views, or the quiet moments of reflection, the climb is worth the effort. It’s not just a physical ascent but a journey through centuries, where each step connects you to the people who walked here before.
