Schwarze Meer

Ushakov Wall (Aya Cape). Balaklava.

Ushakov Wall is Crimea’s deepest vertical wall as it runs upright down to the depth of 40-70 m. Almost all of it is riddled with grottoes and splits at the level of 10-15 m. This place used to serve as a training ground for the cannoneers of Admiral Ushakov to hone their firing technique with the shipboard cannons. Nowadays some cannon balls may be found at the depth of more than 35-40 m.

Inside the caves (some of them are through), stalagmites, shells and seaweeds may be seen. One of the grottoes has outlets of fresh water sources. The fauna is represented by croakers, hazel grouses, swallows and skates. Mussels, rapa whelks and oysters may be found on the wall.