Swallow Nest Castle
Swallow Nest Castle is one of the most amazing creations created by the human hand. Built on top of a 40-meter cliff swallow's nest is the inspiring castle in Neo-Gothic style, built in the late 19th century. This beautiful palace was built on top of the rock overlooking the sea water near Yalta in southern Crimea.
Since its construction the Swallow Nest Castle today has become a symbol of the south coast of Crimea, and is one of the most exciting places to visit along the Black Sea. In this southern part of the territory of Ukraine the ornamental castle is one of the main tourist attractions.
It all starts when an early hero of the Crimean War came to retreat in these lands. He received the land, including the beautiful Aurora Cliff, on which is now where the Castle is situated. It was decided to build a small wooden house, which was called "Castle of Love."
It is not clear whether this name is associated with a romantic love story or beauty that comes from the local nature of Crimea.
Later, the local ownership of the land on Ai-Todor cape passes into the hands of the Coroner of the King - Tobin. In the early 20th century the ownership of the "Castle of Love" goes to a German industrialist who made a fortune by drilling for oil in Baku.
In 1911 Baron von Steingel undertakes the reconstruction of the timber and property. For one year it became a Neo-Gothic castle inspiration, which is now hanging over the Black Sea.
The original structure of the castle Swallow Nest is the work of the Russian architect Leonid Sherwood. Many compare the abnormal architecture of the swallow's nest with that of Neuschwanstein, Babelsberg and Stolzenfels.
In 1914 the Neo-Gothic palace was sold and started operating as a restaurant, and shortly afterwards for a short time after the Russian Revolution of 1917, Swallow Nest is now a popular tourist destination. A powerful earthquake of 6-7 on the Richter scale applied to extensive damage to the castle.
The overall condition remains good, but in the next 40 years Swallow Nest remains closed to tourist visits. Complete restoration of the castle Swallow Nest started in 1968.
Today the palace itself can be seen from the passages near the main road. The original interior of the palace was composed of the lobby, guest room, stairs to the tower, and two bedrooms on two different levels within the tower.
