Sevastopol, also written as Sebastopol, is the largest city in Crimea and serves as a major port on the Black Sea. Founded in 1783, it has functioned as an important naval base throughout its history due to its strategic location and navigable harbors.
The city is primarily known as a major base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet. During the 20th century, specifically during the Cold War, Sevastopol was designated as a closed city. The total administrative area covers 864 square kilometres, including significant rural land, with an urban population of approximately 479,394 concentrated around Sevastopol Bay.