Learn the history of the Swallow's Nest castle in Crimea. Where is it, how to get there and what are the ticket prices.
The most famous symbol of Crimea is located in Gaspra, near Yalta. A crenellated castle with the romantic name Swallow's Nest hangs right above the sea on the high Aurora rock. This elegant architectural monument fits perfectly into the landscape of Cape Ai-Todor and attracts tourists.
The amazingly beautiful Swallow's Nest was sung by poets, painted by artists, filmed by directors. Excursions to the most famous sight of the Crimea are carried out from all resorts of the peninsula.
History of the Swallow's Nest castle
Who built the Swallow's Nest in Crimea? It seems that the building on top of a 40-meter cliff is many hundreds of years old, but it did not appear until 1912. Earlier on Ay-Todor was the house of the general, who became famous in the Russian-Turkish war. After the death of the owner, the building passed to the court physician Tobin, from him to the merchant Rachmanina, and then to Rudolf von Stengel.
The new owner demolished the dilapidated house and erected a small castle on the rock, which they began to call the Swallow's Nest. The project of the wonderful building was prepared by the talented architect Sherwood, the author of the Historical Museum in Moscow.
Soon the First World War began, Baron Stengel sold the castle to the merchant Shelaputin. After the revolution, the property was nationalized and the castle became the library of the Zhemchuzhina holiday home. A strong earthquake of 1927 spared the Swallow's Nest - only the lower balcony and part of the spiers collapsed.
Until 2011, a restaurant worked inside the Swallow's Nest castle in Crimea, and then an art gallery.
Find out what to see in Yalta.
Tickets and excursions to the Swallow's Nest
Now the architectural monument is closed for restoration, so you can only look at it from the outside. There are no excursions either.
Check the information about the opening on the official website of the Swallow's Nest castle.
How to get there
The castle is located on the Alupkinskoye highway, 10 km from the center of Yalta. Buses 32 and 102 run from the resort town to it.
