Lastochkino Gnezdo (Swallow's Nest)

Swallow's Nest resembles a tiny medieval castle. It's an unofficial symbol of Crimea, and the picture from this angle I would have made a symbol of the entire Ukraine, to advertise the tourist attraction of the country.

But this beautiful building didn't always have the same look. Here are some interesting historical photos - photo 1, photo 2, photo 3. First wooden structure on the site was built in 1877-1878. The castle in its present form was created by the oil magnate, baron Rudolf von Steinheil, who decided to build a summer house in the form of the castle, which would resemble the castles of the Rhine. There was a garden near the castle, but it fell into the sea after the earthquake of 1927. Castle spiers also fell, you can see that on this photo.

The first and most serious renovation was carried out in 1968-1971. Before this, the castle was closed as too dangerous. Then several restorations followed, and they should be done every 15 years due to very specific location. In 1993, an Italian rented the castle to open a restaurant. He made restoration works and rebuilt the castle based on the drawings that had been used in 1912.

Swallow's Nest is a very popular touristic site. If you want to feel the true romance of this place, come here early in the morning, at 9 am. In May, we came at 8:30 am and the territory was already opened.

Since 2011, there is no restaurant in the castle anymore. Now there's an art exhibition inside. Crimean authorities also managed to remove all trading tents and make the entrance free.

Swallow's Nest was depicted in several films, and its most famous role was in the Soviet movie "Ten Little Indians" based on the story by Agatha Christie. Few people know that in the Crimea filmed episodes of the film "First Strike" with Jackie Chan, one of them near Swallow's Nest (video).
















Getting there: By minibus #32 from the clothing market in Yalta.