the soviet naval base at sevastopol was one of the strongest fortifications in the world. its site, on a deeply eroded, bare limestone promontory at the southwestern tip of the crimea made an approach by land forces exceedingly difficult. the high-level cliffs overlooking severnaya bay protected the anchorage, making an amphibious landing just as dangerous. the soviet navy had built upon these natural defenses by modernizing the port and installing heavy coastal batteries consisting of 188mm and 305mm re-purposed battleship guns which were capable of firing inland as well as out to sea. the artillery emplacements were protected by reinforced concrete fortifications and 9.8 inch thick armored turrets.