​bird home– one of the most beautiful and romantic places Crimean peninsula. When imagining Yalta, most tourists remember the Swallow's Nest, although from Yalta to the castle it is 11 km, for example, to the Livadia Palace only 4.5 km.

Geographic coordinates of Swallow's Nest on the map of Crimea GPS N 44.430467 E 34.128399

​Swallow's nest is located south of Yalta, in the village of Gaspra, on a steep 40-meter cliff called Aurora. The rock most likely received its name from the ancient Greeks, who settled on this land in the 1st century AD and built the Charax fortress not far from the Aurora rock. Aurora in ancient Greece was considered the goddess of the morning dawn. If you ever happen to see the sunrise on the Swallow's Nest, then you will certainly understand the ancient Greeks who gave this rock its name.​


​The first building on Aurora Rock appeared in 1895. The name of the estate was given to the Castle of Love. Several paintings and photographs from that time have reached us. Despite such a complex project, construction progressed very quickly. Some of the engineering solutions for the construction of structures on rocky terrain have already been worked out during the construction of the Foros Church of the Resurrection of Christ.

The fame of the Love Castle quickly spread throughout Tsarist Russia and thousands of tourists from all over Crimea went to admire this wonder. Among the curious were the famous marine painters Aivazovsky and Bogolyubov.
The Castle of Love belonged to a retired military man, but the surname and reasons for such a romantic name, unfortunately, have not survived to this day.
After the death of a retired military man, the Castle of Love changed several owners and fell into the hands of the oil baron Steingel, who also, just in time, turned out to be a great romantic and decided to rebuild the Castle of Love into a new castle - Swallow's Nest.​


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Castle Swallow's Nest designed in a neo-Gothic style, similar to the castles of Germany, with loopholes, spiers, but in a miniature and fairy-tale manner. Therefore, instead of a gray Gothic structure, a light, magical castle appeared, harmoniously fitting into the Crimean coast.
In 1912, Swallow's Nest was put into operation and immediately became a landmark of Crimea. From Yalta, boat excursions are organized daily to Aurora Rock with a walk through the village of Gaspra.
After the revolution, Swallow's Nest is turned into a restaurant. A little later, going from one extreme to another, they give it to the needs of the library and a reading room opens there.​


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In 1927, one of the most powerful earthquakes in several centuries occurred in Crimea, with a magnitude of up to 7 points with an epicenter in the southern part of the peninsula. The earthquake destroyed part of the supporting foundation, several towers and part of the balcony. The building fell into disrepair and was closed to the public for almost 40 years, until 1971. In 1971, the foundation was strengthened and the lost parts of the building were reconstructed. Swallow's Nest is again open to guests of Crimea and receiving visitors.​

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IN last years V A museum has been opened to the Swallow's Nest and an exhibition of paintings. Once inside, you can see the exhibits, the old fireplace with the family coat of arms, climb the wooden stairs to the second floor, and admire the views from the windows.
Getting to the Swallow's Nest is quite simple: either along the lower road - along Sevastopol highway to the village of Gaspra, and from there follow the signs to the Swallow's Nest, park there in the parking lot and walk to the castle; or along the upper highway - on the South Coast Highway, turn at the Gaspra sign and move towards the sea until the Swallow's Nest sign.​


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You can also drive directly to the castle itself to avoid walking, but there will be nowhere to park your car. There is no parking space there, so you will have to unload passengers and return to the beginning of the route.
Not far from the start walking route From May to October there are barkers who, for a fee, are ready to take you to the castle. Prices are usually the same as if the transportation will not be for a distance of 1 km, but sightseeing tour along the southern coast of Crimea.
The walking route to the Swallow's Nest consists of 1200 steps, a slight descent and ascent. You can leisurely get to the castle in 10-15 minutes. Having gone up to the castle, they usually walk along the balcony, visit several viewing platforms, take plenty of photographs, and go to the museum. After the museum, you definitely need to go to the wishing tree with your preparation. Having completed the entire ritual, you can enjoy the beauty of the panoramic view of the sea, pay attention to the Parus rock and the eagle located above it.​

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From the Swallow's Nest castle you can return to the parking lot or go down to the foot of the castle, to the pier, and from there go by boat to Vorontsov Palace or Yalta. The journey will be very entertaining and interesting.
Cost of visiting the Swallow's Nest: free; visiting a painting exhibition - 200 rubles. No matter what time you visit the Swallow’s Nest, it will definitely not leave you indifferent.​


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Amazing facts about Swallow's Nest
1. Under the Swallow's Nest there is a small cave, which is also called the Swallow's Nest. You can get to the cave by swimming. The cave is formed by a small chain of grottoes up to 10-12 meters deep. One of the cave halls is black. Scientists suggest that in the Neolithic era, when sea level was 20-30 meters lower, ancient people could have lived in this cave. So diving enthusiasts should pay attention to the Swallow's Nest cave.
2. In 1927, after the earthquake and partial destruction of the Swallow's Nest, the issue of moving the castle over the stones deep into the village of Gaspra, 30-50 meters from the cliff, and rebuilding it was seriously discussed. Discussions lasted for about 5 years, but, fortunately, things did not go beyond theory.
3. In 1996, while filming the film “Police Story 4” with Jackie Chan, the film crew arrived in Crimea to stage several episodes, but after visiting the Swallow’s Nest, Jackie Chan decided to slightly change the script and shoot a few shots against the backdrop of the castle.
Swallow’s Nest also came under the lens of such films as: “Ten Little Indians”, “Pan Blob’s Academy”, “Blue Bird” and “Mio, My Mio”.
4. Swallow's Nest is the most recognizable castle in the post-Soviet space and more than 72% of respondents indicated exactly where it is located.

Swallow's Nest on the map of Crimea

In one of most picturesque place south coast In Crimea, at the tip of Cape Ai-Todor, on top of the forty-meter-high Aurora rock, a magnificent castle, built in the classic Gothic style of the Middle Ages, “Swallow’s Nest,” rose into the sky. Due to its small size, Swallow's Nest is considered the smallest castle in the world. Its foundation is just a rectangle measuring 10 meters by 20 meters. The height of the castle reaches 12 meters.
At all times of the year, the flow of tourists to the castle does not dry out, because from the edge of the abyss there is a fascinating view of the Black Sea, which you rarely see anywhere else. Once you see this wonderful place, you will fall in love with it for the rest of your life.

Castle "Swallow's Nest"

panorama of the castle "Swallow's Nest"

Castle "Swallow's Nest" - view of Yalta

Castle "Swallow's Nest" against the sky

Castle "Swallow's Nest"

Story

The first wooden building on the site of the current castle was erected shortly after the end of the Russian-Turkish War of 1877-1878 for a retired Russian general. After him, the emperor’s court physician, who served in A.V., set up his dacha here. Tobin. Unfortunately, history has not preserved much information about him. It is only known that after his death, his wife owned the building for some time, who subsequently sold the land to a merchant from Moscow named Rachmaninov. Under her leadership, the building was demolished, and a castle was built in its place using wood. It was Rachmaninova who gave the current name to the castle – “Swallow’s Nest”.
In 1911, German oil magnate Baron P.L. Steingel, who loved visiting the Crimea, bought a plot of land and planned to build a romantic castle on this site, which would remind him of the architectural structures of his distant homeland. He commissioned a project, which was completed by architect L. Sherwood. Already in 1912, on the edge of the abyss, a magnificent mini-castle soared into the sky, which is clearly visible both from many points on the shore and from the sea. After the outbreak of hostilities during the First World War, a restaurant was opened in the castle building. During the Civil War the building was abandoned.




Reconstruction

In 1927, an earthquake occurred in Crimea, the magnitude of which was about 7 points. After the earthquake, one of the towers collapsed, from the center of the castle to the top observation deck A huge crack formed, threatening the complete destruction of the castle. The building, which at that time housed the reading room of one of the sanatoriums, was considered unsafe and was abandoned for several decades. In 1968, the castle underwent restoration, which was carried out by Yaltaspetsstroy employees under the leadership of architect Tatiev. The facade and part of the castle premises underwent some modifications, the foundation was repaired and strengthened, and earthquake resistance work was carried out. In addition, the castle additionally had four spiers on the main tower, thereby increasing its height. And this is exactly how tourists see the castle nowadays.




Swallow's Nest and cinema

Crimea has always attracted filmmakers with its climate, sunny days and enchanting landscapes. They didn’t bypass the Swallow’s Nest either. During Soviet times, many films familiar to us from childhood were shot here. The most famous are “Ten Little Indians”, “Amphibian Man” and “Hamlet”. The great master of martial arts Jackie Chan was also noted here, starring in one of the episodes of his film.




Castle "Swallow's Nest"

Castle "Swallow's Nest" in a painting by a local artist

view from the sea

Where is it located, how to find it

The Swallow's Nest castle is located 18 kilometers from the village of Gaspra. There are buses from Yalta and minibuses, route number 27. Also search shuttle transport with stops “Swallow’s Nest”, Gaspra village, “Zhemchuzhina” sanatorium. If you plan to travel by personal transport, then the signs that stand on the roadsides almost throughout Crimea will help you; in general, you won’t miss it. For car navigator owners, GPS coordinates: N 44°25.831, E 34°07.724. Also next to the castle there is a pier for pleasure boats that sail from the Yalta marine terminal.

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    • The small castle “Swallow’s Nest” is one of the most popular attractions of the Crimean peninsula. For a century now, this Gothic structure has been attracting people with its position on a steep cliff.

    History of the Swallow's Nest castle in Crimea

    The history of this place dates back to the end of the 19th century. To this day, the original purpose of this building is not known exactly - a tourist site or a place for living and recreation.

    The first building on this site was the wooden dacha of a general in the Russian-Turkish war. After this, the building began to belong to the doctor from the Livadia Palace, Tobin. Later, his widow sold the house to the merchant Rakhmanina, who gave the castle the name “Swallow’s Nest.”

    Today's appearance The building was built thanks to the German oilman Steingel. In 1912, an ordinary wooden building turned into a stone castle with a tower.

    The owners were constantly changing, the building had restaurants, a reading room and more, and renovations were often carried out. From 1971 to this day the castle has been tourist place. For the Russian Federation this place is cultural heritage federal significance.

    The place also attracts filmmakers with its beauty and atmosphere. For example, such cult Soviet films as “Amphibian Man” and “Ten Little Indians” were filmed in the vicinity and walls of the building.

    Castle inside: interior and main exhibitions

    The interior of the castle is proportional in size to the castle itself. The rooms are quite minimalist and neat. The original interiors of the castle were lost due to difficult history these places. It is known that from the neo-Gothic style it acquired the Old Russian style, thanks to one of its owners. Today the walls are decorated with decorative drawings, paintings and museum exhibits.

    In addition to its beauty, the architectural and exhibition complex offers a range of various services that will certainly bring joy to visitors.

    Sightseeing tour

    The history of the surrounding area is rich in various ancient tales and legends, which, together with historical facts The castle staff are happy to tell visitors on every excursion.

    Visiting exhibitions

    Today the walls of the Swallow's Nest are decorated with exhibition exhibits. Here you can see ancient works of painting, archaeological finds and other historical values.

    Evening at the castle

    In the summer, the cultural event “Evening at the Castle” takes place on the territory of the Swallow’s Nest. Under open air these unique fabulous places host concerts of different types of music, vernissages and events of masters various types art.

    Wedding ceremonies

    A bunch of love stories These places make Swallow's Nest very suitable for a wedding. The romantic atmosphere of the castle can make your wedding ceremony the happiest moment in your life.

    Wish tree

    An ancient ritual of making wishes in such fabulous places has survived to this day. Even the most skeptical tourist cannot resist hanging a wish ribbon on a tree near the castle.

    Swallow mail

    Send a postcard to loved ones from iconic place world - a fashionable tradition today. There is a mailbox on the territory of the Swallow’s Nest, letters from which will be quickly delivered by “swallow” to any corner of the world.

    Ticket prices for Swallow's Nest in 2019

    The ticket price depends on the exhibitions visited and the age of the visitor.

    Entrance to the castle grounds with participation in events and visiting the exhibition in hall No. 2:

    • 50 rub. for adults;
    • 25 rub. for children, students and pensioners;

    Visiting a creative event and exhibition in hall No. 1:

    • 200 rub. for adults;
    • 100 rub. for children, students and pensioners;
    • free for children under 16 years old.

    Some people fall under the preferential category and can visit the Swallow's Nest completely free of charge on an ongoing basis. These include war veterans, disabled people, certified tour guides and others. Specify full list can be found on the official website of the facility.

    Operating mode

    During the cold season, the flow of tourists in Yalta is not so large, so from November to May the castle is open from 10:00 to 16:00, with one day off - Monday.

    In the warm months, that is, from May to October, opening hours are from 10:00 to 19:00, no days off.

    How to get to the Swallow's Nest castle in Crimea

    In addition to organized tourist trips, you can visit the architectural monument on your own. Bus routes pass through the “Swallow's Nest” stop, which is near the castle, and boats and ships sail in the summer.

    You can also get there by your own transport, but you will have to pay for parking. Cost from 100 to 200 rubles, depending on the distance to the castle.

    Taxi services operate on the peninsula; some have their own applications, which can be found on Google Play and the Apple Store. For example, taxi Shark, METRO, VEZET.

    Tourist routes that include a visit to the Swallow's Nest also pass by the Vorontsov and Livadia palaces; it makes sense to visit them too.

    From Yalta

    From this city it is easiest to get to the Swallow's Nest. From the bus station there are minibuses No. and. In the summer from the embankment pier. Boats and motor ships go from Lenin to the castle.

    Route from Yalta to the Swallow's Nest castle for a car - Google Maps

    From Alushta

    To public transport to get to the facility from Alushta, you will first have to get to Yalta, having made at least one transfer before that. Target trolleybuses - No. and