Once considered the “Russian Riviera,” Ukraine’s Black Sea coast stretches like a gorgeous turquoise ribbon along the Crimean peninsula.
Despite its seemingly endless, dramatic cliffs, breathtakingly beautiful beaches, and nearly perfect climate, this vacation paradise has remained largely unknown to tourists outside of Eastern Europe.
And the jewel in this crown of Ukraine?
It has to be Swallow’s Nest Castle, the tiny Neo-Gothic castle lightly perched on the high Aurora cliff overlooking the Crimean Black Sea. This small castle is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Crimea’s southern coastline.
Built for love, not war
The first structure built atop Aurora cliff was a small house that was constructed in 1877. Legend has it that the owner chose this spot because of the perfect peace and privacy it afforded him.
The castle was built in 1912 by Russian Architect Ernst Ivanov for Russian businessman and philanthropist, Baron Pyotr Nikolayevich Wrangel.
I was meant to be a romantic getaway for the Baron and his wife. Unfortunately, the Baroness died before they could ever enjoy it
The castle remained uninhabited for many years until it was taken over by the Soviet military in World War II. It served as a strategic lookout point and naval base throughout the war. After the castle
Later in 1927, the castle survived a very strong earthquake. Despite no serious structural damage, the entire building was considered dangerous and closed to the public for the next forty years.
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Years of Endurance
After the fall of the Soviet Union, it was abandoned once again. But in 1996, it was saved from demolition and restored to its former glory as a popular tourist destination.
Today, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Black Sea from the castle’s terrace, as well as take in its fascinating history. So if you’re ever in Crimea, be sure to add Swallow’s Nest Castle to your list of must-see sights!
The castle is known for its turrets and spires, which make it a popular destination for photographers. The interior of the castle is just as impressive as the exterior, with lavish rooms and exquisite details.
There’s also a great view of the Crimean coastline from the top of this fairy tale castle.
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The physics of cliff-dwelling
On first sight, it looks like it could easily slide right into the sea. Built on the very edge of the cliff, some of the balconies and patios actually stretch beyond the earth and hang directly over the water.
This very precarious position might be the reason why the castle is so small; it stands just 40 feet high and contains only a few rooms on two floors. Despite its delicate appearance, the castle is structurally sound. In fact, it survived a severe earthquake in 1927 without suffering a great deal of damage.
The cliff itself was not so lucky — it cracked under the stress of the quake, and Swallow’s Nest was closed for 40 years due to the vertical crack in the rock beneath it. In 1968, engineers secured the crack with a large concrete plate. The castle was treated to some extra support from anti-seismic belts, and it was re-opened as a restaurant in 1970.
Following another major renovation in 2011, Swallow’s Nest became a public museum.
Elegant and seemingly weightless as it hovers over the Sea, Crimea’s “Fortress of Love” is now 100 years old. It stands today as a fairytale reminder of days gone by, and a symbol of the jewel-like beauty of the Crimean Black Sea coast.
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Best Time to Visit Swallow’s Nest
The best to visit is during the spring or summer months. The castle is open from 10 am to 7 pm from April to October, and from 10 am to 5 pm from November to March. Whichever season you choose to visit, Swallow’s Nest is sure to take your breath away!
What to see at the castle
Visitors can enjoy walking through the castle and admiring the exquisite details, as well as taking in the beautiful views of the Crimean coastline.
The Crimean coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world, and the castle is the perfect place to take it all in. From the castle’s balconies, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Black Sea and its rocky coastline.
Swallow’s Nest is also a great spot for photographers, who can capture the castle against the backdrop of the Black Sea.
Other things to do when visiting Crimea
So you’ve made it to family tale castle, one of Crimea’s most popular tourist destinations. What now? Fortunately, there’s plenty to see and do in the area surrounding the castle.
Visit Gaspra Town
Start by exploring the charming town of Gaspra, located just a few minutes away from Swallow’s Nest.
This quaint town is home to several art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. In addition, Gaspra is home to the Swallow’s Nest Monument, a monument honoring the castle’s architect, Ernst Ivanov.
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Visit Yalta
Yalta is located on the southern coast of Crimea and is home to many historical landmarks, including the Livadia Palace.
This palace was once the summer residence of the Russian tsars, and it’s now open to the public. Yalta is also home to several beaches and a lively nightlife scene.
Take a Hike in the Crimean Mountains
If you’re looking for a more active adventure, consider hiking or biking in the Crimean Mountains. The mountain trails are well-marked and they offer some incredible views of the Black Sea. This is a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of Crimea.
Dine with a stunning view
The castle is located near restaurants like the Swallow’s Nest Restaurant and the Lighthouse Restaurant, which offer stunning views of the coastline, crimson sunsets, and sparkling waves making Swallow’s Nest a must-see destination for visitors to Crimea.
If you’re looking for a picturesque place to stay while in Crimea, look no further than Swallow’s Nest!
Take a Tour of Sevastopol
Sevastopol is a city located on the Crimean Peninsula that’s home to several historical landmarks, including the Chernomorets Fortress and the castle. Sevastopol is also home to a bustling nightlife scene and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Final Thoughts
Swallow’s Nest Castle is an amazing place with many stunning features that will give you lasting memories.
It’s also a great place to take a step back in time into the life of the architect and the owner of the castle. You can also get a glimpse of why the castle was very important during the war.
Be sure to follow these tips when visiting:
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds and get the best views
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of climbing involved
FAQs
Where is Swallow’s Nest Castle?
Swallow’s Nest Castle is located in Crimea Ukraine.
Is there an Italian restaurant in Crimea?
There are a few Italian restaurants in Crimea, but Swallow’s Nest Restaurant is one of the most popular.
This restaurant is located in Gaspra and offers a stunning view of the castle and the Crimean coastline. The Restaurant is a great place to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine while taking in the incredible views.
Who owns Swallow’s Castle Today?
Today, the Castle is owned by the Ukrainian government. However, the castle has a complicated history, and it has been passed through many different hands over the years.
How much is a ticket to Castle?
Tickets cost around 60 UAH (around $2.50 USD), but this price may change depending on the season. If you’re looking to save a bit of money, consider visiting Swallow’s Nest Castle during the off-season.
Related Resources
Sinou
Thursday 11th of February 2016
Martin, great blog and very ifmtrnaoive! So ifmtrnaoive there are bits I wouldn't mind keeping in a folder for future ref. But printing is difficult as half the page gets chopped off! Don't know if anyone else has mentioned this or if you are particularly PC-lit (I'm not!) but have you considered a printable view' button that squishes it all into one page width? Maybe another reader (more techy than me) can advise on this ?
Kate
Saturday 19th of July 2014
Swallow's Nest is a magical place! (Especially if you can ignore the thousands of not-always-polite people all hiking up the cliff stairs at the same time as you). When I was there with my mom (we're from Ukraine originally) she told me that a rich man (maybe the baron?) built this castle for his daughter, and that it was taken away from their family when communists took over.
Who knows which story is correct :p
Jan Kempe
Sunday 20th of July 2014
I bet your mom is right! There's a sizable gap in the "official" timeline of Swallow's Nest history. Thanks for bringing us up to speed. :-)