Grafskaya Wharf
Sevastopol
Grafskaya Wharf is a prominent historical and architectural monument located on the western shore of Sevastopol's Southern Bay, at Nakhimov Square. Originally constructed in 1780 as a wooden boat pier, it was rebuilt in 1846 following a design by Colonel Engineer John Upton, who was instrumental in developing Sevastopol's harbor infrastructure. The wharf serves as a ceremonial gateway to the city from the sea, distinguished by its twin Doric colonnades forming a grand propylaea, topped with an attic inscribed with the construction date. A wide set of elegant marble staircases adorned with lion sculptures by Italian sculptor Ferdinando Pelliccia leads down to the water. Built from local Inkerman stone, the wharf has played a vital role in Sevastopol's defense and supply, particularly during the Crimean War when it was a key point for provisioning the city's bastions. Despite suffering damage during World War II and the Crimean War, it has been carefully restored, preserving its historic grandeur. Today, Grafskaya Wharf remains a central tourist attraction and a symbolic reminder of Sevastopol's maritime and military past, also serving as a departure point for local boat tours and ferry routes.
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Consiglio: The best time to visit Grafskaya Wharf is during the late spring to early autumn months when the weather is pleasant for walking and boat tours. Visitors are encouraged to explore the site early in the day to avoid crowds and to enjoy the views of the Southern Bay. While tickets are not required to visit the wharf itself, advance booking is recommended for any boat tours departing from the pier. Several memorial plaques on site commemorate significant historical events, offering insightful context for history enthusiasts. Seasonal schedules may affect ferry services, so check local information before planning trips to nearby destinations like Inkerman or the Holland settlement.
Fatti interessanti
- •The marble lion sculptures decorating the staircases were crafted by Italian sculptor Ferdinando Pelliccia.
- •The wharf was the site of a major explosion during the Crimean War in 1855 caused by a powder barge catching fire.
- •Several memorial plaques at the wharf commemorate key historical events, including the arrival of Vice-Admiral P. S. Nakhimov in 1853 and the departure of Lieutenant P. P. Schmidt in 1905.
- •The wharf was renamed multiple times in the 20th century, including as the Third International Wharf before regaining its historic name in the 1990s.
- •The wharf was constructed from Inkerman stone, a locally quarried material known for its durability and beauty.
Storia
Grafskaya Wharf was originally built in 1780 as a wooden pier and later upgraded with stone steps in 1787 in anticipation of Empress Catherine II's visit.
In 1846, under the guidance of British engineer John Upton, the current stone wharf was constructed, featuring grand Doric colonnades and marble decorations.
During the Crimean War, it was a critical supply point for Russian defenders but suffered damage from an explosion in 1855.
The wharf was heavily damaged during World War II and subsequently restored in the postwar period, with major repairs to the staircases and colonnades completed in the late 20th century.
Its name honors Count M.
I.
Voynovich, a commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the late 18th century.
Guida del luogo
Doric Colonnades and Propylaea1846
The grand twin Doric colonnades form a ceremonial entrance to the wharf, topped with an attic inscribed with the date of construction, symbolizing the architectural grandeur of mid-19th century Sevastopol.
Marble Staircases with Lion Sculptures1846
Wide, gently sloping staircases descend from the colonnades to the sea, decorated with marble lions sculpted by Ferdinando Pelliccia, adding artistic elegance and symbolic guardianship to the wharf.
Memorial Plaques
Several plaques commemorate significant historical moments associated with the wharf, including military events and notable figures such as Vice-Admiral Nakhimov and Lieutenant Schmidt.