Several cave shrines are at an archaeological site Tepe-Kerman, which means in translation "hill-fortress».
Already in VI-VII century there was built strengthen, defend the borders of the Byzantine possessions in Tauris. For its walls were saved from the enemy's people from the surrounding settlements. In the XI century and the strengthening of the feudal castle transformed into a city begins construction of surface and cave temples. From ground-based single-nave chapel remained only the ruins, they are overgrown with grass, and they are difficult to distinguish. A cave being spared, they are about 250, located in several tiers. Caves of the lower tier be used for household purposes, they kept cattle. At the top you can get from the castle.
In north-west cliff fortress is "The Church in the sacristy." Within the walls of the apse carved niches and four lines of Greek inscription. Along the western and southern walls of the temple is a stone bench. In the southern wall of the grave cut down, over her arched niche. Here is a passage in the vestry. In the north wall are two arched niches beside them are two concentric circles within which are shown cross intersections of four spokes, in the lower half circle of four letters of the alphabet ancient Hebrews. In the floor of the temple - two graves.
In the western part of Tepe-Kermen can view another ancient temple - "The Church of baptistery. In this temple trapezium font was carved into the shape of a cross. It went down in two steps. Near the floor, two graves, and along the south wall is a bench.
The main part of the temple in the western wall, too, was grave, and above it the inscription: "And this grave dug by my own desire Polit ... th. Extension (done) from a servant of God, pious Manuel ...». Another tomb is located south of the altar. Sam altar was separated Altar, carved in the rock and decorated with relief crosses. It also survived three columns with capitals (in ancient times there were six), which relied on the Altar. In the floor of the altar is not difficult to consider deepening the throne. In the northern wall is a niche-altar.
Near the church on the edge of the plateau was cut down 9 tombs and 5 tombs.
After a life in the settlement of Tepe-Kermen ceased, cave church for a time used by residents of neighboring villages and hermitages. But they gradually fell into neglect. In 1890, a resident of Bakhchisaray I. Puzata cleared "from the church baptistery," removed the accumulated garbage in it, has done a window and door and invited the priest, there again sounded the words of prayer.
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