Swallow's Nest

#2 among destinations in Ukraine

Forts and castles, Top attraction, Observation decks and towers, Architecture, More...

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Gallery

Photo details 1. Dreamstime.com / RF / Scaliger • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Massalim / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / A.Savin / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Armineaghayan / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Armineaghayan / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hamerani / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Armineaghayan / URL

Facts and practical information

Perched atop the 40-meter high Aurora Cliff, overlooking the Black Sea, Swallow’s Nest is a decorative castle and an emblematic architectural marvel in Crimea, Ukraine. This Neo-Gothic structure, resembling a medieval knight’s castle, was built in 1912 by the Russian architect Leonid Sherwood for the Baltic German oil millionaire Baron von Steingel.

The castle's design is compact and fairy-tale-like, with its pointed turrets and intricate stonework, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Crimea. Despite its relatively small size, Swallow's Nest has become a symbol of the southern coast of Crimea, often featured in postcards and promotional materials.

Swallow's Nest has a dramatic history, having survived several tumultuous events, including the Russian Revolution and the Crimean Earthquake of 1927. Due to the latter, the castle was closed for a long period due to concerns about the stability of the cliff. However, it was later restored and reinforced, ensuring its continued presence on the Crimean landscape.

Local name: Ластівчине гніздо Architectural style: Gothic revivalCoordinates: 44°25'50"N, 34°7'43"E

Location

Alupkinskoye hwy, 9Gaspra 98300 CrimeaUkraine

Contact

+7 978 004-91-22

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Day trips

Swallow's Nest – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Livadia Palace, Nikitsky Botanical Garden, Ai-Petri, Uchan-su Waterfall.

2.7 miN
History museum, Museum, Neo-renaissance architecture
Livadia Palace, Livadiya
68 min walk • Nestled in the serene town of Livadiya, Crimea, the Livadia Palace is a monument of architectural beauty and historical significance. This picturesque palace, once the summer retreat of the Russian tsars, is now a magnet for tourists seeking a glimpse into the opulence...
7.6 miNE
Garden, Park, Botanical garden
Nikitsky Botanical Garden, Nikita
193 min walk • Nestled in the quaint city of Nikita, Ukraine, the Nikitsky Botanical Garden stands as a verdant oasis and a testament to nature's splendor. This enchanting botanical garden is not just a haven for plant enthusiasts but a serene retreat for anyone looking to escape the...
3.8 miW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Ai-Petri, Alupka
97 min walk • Ai-Petri is a peak in the Crimean Mountains. For administrative purposes it is in the Yalta municipality of Crimea. The name is of Greek origin, and translates as St. Peter.
4.7 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Waterfall
Uchan-su Waterfall, Livadiya
119 min walk • Uchan-su, is a waterfall on the river Uchan-su on the southern slopes of the Crimean Mountains in Crimea. The name translates from the Crimean Tatar language for flying water. Uchan-su, the highest waterfall in Crimea, is a popular tourist attraction located 7 km from the city of Yalta halfway to Ai-Petri Mountain.
~1960 ftSW
Archaeological site
Charax
10 min walk • Charax is the largest Roman military settlement excavated in the Crimea. It was sited on a four-hectare area at the western ridge of Ai-Todor, close to the modern tourist attraction of Swallow's Nest.
3.9 miW
Museum, History museum, Moorish revival architecture
Vorontsov Palace, Alupka
100 min walk • The Vorontsov Palace or the Alupka Palace is a historic palace situated at the foot of the Crimean Mountains near the town of Alupka in Crimea.
0.5 miN
Museum
Daca "Kickine", Kurpaty
13 min walk • Dacha Kichkine - a dacha on the territory of the village of urban type Kurpati, Crimea.
4.2 miN
Museum
White Dacha, Yalta
108 min walk • The White Dacha, is the house that Anton Chekhov had built in Yalta and in which he wrote some of his greatest work. It is now a writer's house museum.
4.8 miN
Church, Nikolay Krasnov
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Yalta
123 min walk • The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a cathedral in Yalta, Crimea, built in 1902, and designed by Nikolay Krasnov.
1.7 miW
Nikolay Krasnov, Palace, Moorish revival architecture
Dulber Palace, Gaspra
43 min walk • The Dulber Palace is a Moorish Revival palace designed by Nikolay Krasnov in Koreiz, near Yalta in Crimea.
1.9 miN
Locality
Oreanda
48 min walk • In addition to its natural attractions, Oreanda is home to several historical sites that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Oreanda Palace, an architectural gem that dates back to the 19th century.