Salhirkа Park is a quiet green space in Simferopol, tucked along the banks of the Salhir River. It began as a private estate in the late 18th century when Peter Pallas, a German naturalist, arrived in Crimea to study its flora and fauna. Around his home, a garden grew with trees and plants he collected during his expeditions.
The estate later passed to the Vorontsov family. They expanded it, adding a grand house with an eastern-style wing—its horseshoe arches and murals stand out against the landscape.
The two original buildings still anchor Crimea’s oldest botanical garden. Many trees from Pallas’s time remain, their trunks and canopies shading the paths. Lebanese cedars, ginkgo biloba, and magnolias grow here, some found nowhere else on the peninsula. Small plaques mark notable specimens.
The garden became part of the university’s botanical collection. Ponds were cleared, walkways relaid, and benches added. A rose garden and lilac grove were planted, the lilacs blooming each May. Greenhouses shelter tropical plants, while flowerbeds change with the seasons.
Locals come here to escape the city. The riverbank paths, sunlight through leaves, and rustling branches create a quiet rhythm. On weekdays, mornings are nearly empty, while evenings bring families, couples, and students. The paths are smooth, easy to explore with strollers or without a plan.
The park changes with the seasons. Lilacs bloom in spring, roses in early summer, and autumn leaves linger longer than elsewhere in the city. There are no cafes inside, but a few kiosks stand near the entrance. The greenhouses get warm in summer, so mornings are best for visiting.
From the city center, it’s a walk along the river. The park blends history and botany. Free public areas invite strolls, while the greenhouses and curated sections appeal to plant enthusiasts. The rustle of leaves and the river’s murmur replace the city’s noise.
