Location: Feodosiya
Dacha Milos (also known as Villa Milos) is a prominent early 20th-century architectural landmark in Feodosia, Republic of Crimea, Russia, located at 33 Aivazovsky Avenue, near the embankment. The building is an elegant neoclassical mansion with elements of ancient Greek architecture, which has become one of the symbols of the Feodosia resort. The dacha was built between 1909 and 1911 by order of Feodosia merchant Ibrahim Samoylovich Krym, a member of the ancient Karaite dynasty, and named after the Greek island of Milos, home of the famous Venus de Milo statue. The project was designed by Moscow architect Maxim Fedorovich Piskunov, who realized the concept of a luxurious summer home with antique motifs. Today, the dacha operates as part of a sanatorium but remains a popular tourist attraction due to its beauty and historical significance. Coordinates: 45°02′16″ N 35°22′23″ E
Construction of the Milos dacha began in 1909 and was completed in
1911. The client was Ibrahim Krym, a successful entrepreneur of
Karaite descent whose family had ancient roots in Crimea. According
to some reports, Turkish craftsmen were hired for the work, adding
an exotic touch to the project. The name "Milos" is directly related
to the island in the Aegean Sea where the Venus de Milo was found—a
reference to the classical themes that dominate the building's
decor. At the beginning of the 20th century, Feodosia experienced a
boom in resort construction, and the Milos dacha became part of this
process, emphasizing the owner's prestige.
After the 1917
Revolution, the dacha was nationalized. During the Soviet era, it
was used as a sanatorium for vacationers and later became part of a
health resort complex. During the Great Patriotic War, the building
was damaged but restored. In the post-Soviet period, the dacha
retained its status as an architectural and cultural monument, and
today it is protected by the state as a cultural heritage site of
regional significance. In recent years, restoration work has been
carried out to preserve its original appearance.
The Milos Dacha is a two-story building with a semi-basement,
built on a hillside overlooking the Black Sea. The architectural
style combines neoclassicism with elements of classical Greek
architecture: columns, porticoes, pediments, and decorative elements
are reminiscent of ancient temples. The façade is painted light
yellow, giving the building a sunny and airy appearance. The main
entrance is decorated with semi-columns and a triangular pediment.
One of the main features is the open terrace along the main façade,
supported by columns and adorned with plaster copies of ancient
statues. Among them are figures of Greek goddesses and heroes, and a
copy of the Venus de Milo, the symbol of the dacha, is installed in
the rotunda-gazebo. The rotunda is a circular pavilion with a
colonnade, topped with a dome, and is located in the eastern part of
the property. The terrace is surrounded by a balustrade decorated
with crosses and flowerpots. The building has an asymmetrical
layout: the western part is more massive, with a bay window and
balcony, while the eastern part is lighter, with a rotunda. The
total area of the plot is approximately 0.5 hectares, with a
garden, alleys, and stone walls. The dacha's interior, although not
always accessible to tourists, includes spacious rooms with high
ceilings, stucco moldings, and fireplaces, typical of elite villas
of the period.
Antique Decor: Plaster statues and a rotunda create an atmosphere of
ancient Greece, making the dacha resemble a miniature Parthenon. It is a
rare example of this style in Crimea.
Sea View: The elevated location
provides panoramic views of the Feodosia Gulf, which was a key factor in
the selection of the site.
Cultural Significance: The dacha is part
of a complex of old villas in Feodosia, neighboring the Stamboli dacha
and others. It is often mentioned in guidebooks as an example of resort
architecture from the turn of the century.
Legends and associations:
The name and statues link the dacha to mythology, and its owner, Ibrahim
Krym, was known as a philanthropist and businessman.
The Milos dacha now operates as the Milos Sanatorium, offering
wellness services, accommodation, and treatment. The building is in good
condition after restoration, but the interiors are only accessible to
guests. Exterior viewing is free: tourists can stroll along Aivazovsky
Avenue and admire the façade and statues. Access is easy: walk from the
center of Feodosia (10-15 minutes) or take public transportation (get
off at the "Prospekt Aivazovsky" stop). The best time is summer, when
the garden is in bloom. A visit takes 20-30 minutes; combine it with a
stroll along the embankment or a visit to the nearby Aivazovsky Museum.
Dacha Milos is a striking example of early 20th-century luxury and
style, perfectly integrated into the Crimean landscape, and a must-see
for architecture and history buffs.