The Golitsyn Trail - a popular hiking route

In the massive limestone of Koba-Kaya lurks at an altitude of 30-50 meters above sea level Golitsynsky trail. The prince cut a trail from Zelenaya Bay for 3000 km in length. The trail passes through a large grotto, where there was once a medieval monastic cloister. Inside the grotto, tired travelers will find a shallow well where they can moisten their lips with fresh water. The prince liked the grotto. He turned it into a mini wine oasis on his way to Cape Kapchik.

On an area of 20 m the prince organized a unique collection of champagne wines, which were produced at the enterprise he created in the village of Novy Svet. For this purpose, the front part of the grotto was fenced off with a wall. In the depths of the cave Lev Sergeyevich arranged the niches for the wine cellar. Inside you can see the arch, which led through a tunnel to the cellars of the factory. In the grotto - a beautiful acoustics. The enterprising prince, of course, took advantage of this advantage and made a banqueting hall here for receiving important guests. A massive chandelier once hung from the stone ceiling. Candle lights illuminated the entire hall, creating a cozy atmosphere. On the front platform a terrace was added for family dinners. It was also used as a stage, where the talented F.I. Chaliapin is said to have performed. In honor of him the grotto was named.

Cape Kapchik in the distance resembles a huge prehistoric lizard lying on the shore of Blue Bay. In its stone body is a crevice 77 m long. Travelers know it as the Through grotto. From here, through the masonry above the door, it was once possible to descend, to the blue smooth sea, by two staircases.

In order to build his trail, the prince specially hired Turkish workers. The work was not easy, and the builders had to climb into special "cradles" suspended on ropes. In 1927 there was an earthquake in the mountains that caused great damage to the trail.

With the appearance of Golitsyn in Novy Svet, the village was transforming before his eyes. The area was favorable for viticulture, so Lev Sergeyevich had the idea of creating a factory here. So, in 1878, in the New World begin to produce sparkling wines. The prince's wine was of amazing quality. According to guides, in the mountain Koba-Kaya, 7 km in length, cut through the wine tunnels.

It will take you a good two hours to walk along the trail, so be prepared for a long and pleasant journey. However, do not forget to wear comfortable shoes, because over time, the trail has dilapidated and became very slippery in some parts - it was washed out by the rains and trampled by tourists. Therefore, excursions along the Golitsyn trail in rainy weather are not recommended.