A 1979 postcard presents a panoramic view of the Gurzuf embankment, a popular resort village on the Southern Coast of Crimea. The image captures the lively atmosphere of summer recreation and the characteristic architecture of that era.
What is shown on the postcard
The foreground of the postcard depicts a well-maintained embankment, lined with flowerbeds of bright red flowers, presumably canna lilies. Holidaymakers are strolling along the promenade. To the left, a part of a shady tree-lined alley is visible. Along the coast, a pier with white railings extends into the water, also populated by people. In the background, to the right, rises the Dzheneviz-Kaya rock with a multi-story sanatorium building, harmoniously integrated into the mountain landscape. The development of the Gurzuf resort village is picturesquely situated on the green slopes of the hills.
Historical note
The Gurzuf embankment has traditionally been the center of the village’s resort life. Its formation and landscaping began in the late 19th — early 20th century, when Gurzuf actively developed as a dacha and therapeutic resort. During the Soviet period, especially after the 1960s, the embankment’s infrastructure was constantly modernized, with new recreation areas created and the number of piers and berths for pleasure boats increased. The building on Dzheneviz-Kaya rock, visible on the postcard, is one of the buildings of the ‘Gurzufsky’ Sanatorium, formerly the Military Sanatorium, which traces its history back to pre-revolutionary times and is one of the oldest and largest establishments of the resort.
Present day
The contemporary appearance of the Gurzuf embankment largely retains the features captured in the 1979 postcard, but has undergone changes in accordance with new requirements for urban and resort infrastructure. Flowerbeds and green spaces still adorn the promenade. Piers are used for mooring pleasure boats and swimming. The ‘Gurzufsky’ Sanatorium (formerly Military) continues to operate, and its buildings on Dzheneviz-Kaya rock remain a recognizable symbol of Gurzuf. The area continues to attract tourists due to its unique landscape and historical heritage.
Location (map)
Address: A.S. Pushkin Embankment, Gurzuf, Crimea
Coordinates: 44.545800, 34.288200
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Identified by the characteristic architecture of the ‘Gurzufsky’ Sanatorium on Dzheneviz-Kaya rock and the general layout of the Gurzuf embankment..
Questions and answers
- What is depicted on the postcard? The 1979 postcard shows the Gurzuf embankment with holidaymakers, flowerbeds, and piers, as well as the Dzheneviz-Kaya rock with a building of the ‘Gurzufsky’ Sanatorium in the background.
- When was the photograph taken? The photograph for the postcard was taken in 1979.
- What is the building on the rock? The building on Dzheneviz-Kaya rock is one of the buildings of the ‘Gurzufsky’ Sanatorium, formerly the Military Sanatorium.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Gurzuf from 1979.
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