Swallow's Nest

Swallow's Nest is a small castle structure on Aurora Cliff in Gaspra, Crimea, with towers and decorative gables. The site stands 40 meters (131 feet) above the Black Sea and combines medieval forms with a narrow footprint.

Construction took place in 1911 to designs by Russian architect Leonid Sherwood for Baron von Steingel. Earthquakes and political upheavals shaped the later history of the building.

The name comes from its position high above the sea, resembling a bird's nest on a cliff. Visitors today see a building that looks like a small fairy-tale castle and is often used for exhibitions.

The structure can be reached by public transport from Yalta, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. Access is via stairs leading from the road to the cliff edge.

The entire footprint covers only about 20 square meters (215 square feet), making this one of the smallest structures of its kind. An earthquake in 1927 caused cracks in the foundation that were later repaired.

Location: Gaspra

Inception: 1912

Architects: Leonid Vladimirovich Sherwood

Official opening: 1912

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Website: https://замок-ласточкино-гнездо.рф

GPS coordinates: 44.43057,34.12851

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:09