The height of the castle and the internal layout. Museum: exhibitions, tours and concerts

The swallow's nest has become the main symbol for the Crimea, its image can be found in many photographs, emblems and paintings. The castle is located in Yalta on Cape Ai-Todor on the very edge of the Aurora cliff above the sea. Outwardly, it resembles a medieval fortress, although it is much inferior in size to real Gothic buildings. Among the sights of Crimea, this is one of the most famous. To see it, you need to go to the village of Gaspra.

History of the Swallow's Nest

Little is known about the very first owner of the Swallow's Nest castle in Crimea. It is believed that initially it was the dacha of a veteran of the Russian-Turkish war. By the way, a wooden building of that time on the site of Cape Ai-Todor can be seen in the paintings of famous artists, including Aivazovsky.

The next owner of the estate was A.K. Tobin, the court physician of the Livadia Palace, but after his death, the merchant Rakhmanina bought the house from the widow. The new mistress ordered to demolish the old building and build a wooden castle in its place, which the owner called the Swallow's Nest.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the oilman, the German baron von Spiegel, became the owner of the castle. In 1912, at his request, the estate was completely rebuilt. The project was entrusted to A. Sherwood. As conceived by the German baron, the castle was supposed to resemble medieval architecture Germany. So the Swallow's Nest in the Crimea acquired a familiar look to us.

The fortress turned out to be miniature - its height is only 12 m, width - 10 m, length - 20 m. A beautiful garden was laid out nearby. When World War I began, the baron left the Swallow's Nest in the Crimea and sold it to the merchant Shelaputin, who set up a restaurant in the castle. However, the business did not bring in much profit.

Destruction and reconstruction

In 1927 there was a big earthquake in Yalta. survived, but a piece of rock, along with a garden, collapsed into the sea, and the castle itself hung over the abyss. A huge crack formed right under it, which could at any moment lead to a complete collapse. For some time he continued to work reading room, but soon the building was recognized as emergency and the entrance to it was closed.

Only in 1968, the strengthening work was completed: the part of the house, located directly above the cliff, was strengthened, the destroyed spiers were repaired, and the seismic stability of the building was increased. Since then, visiting the castle has become a reality for everyone.

Those who are interested in the Crimean Swallow's Nest can find out that for many years one of the most famous restaurants on the South Coast has been open there, as well as a museum inside. And since 2015, the building was given the status of an object cultural heritage. Unfortunately, today the castle is again in disrepair and in need of repair.

How to get to the Swallow's Nest

The Swallow's Nest fortress in Crimea has always attracted tourists, many consider this place to be one of the most romantic on the peninsula. Many films were filmed here, for example, "Ten Little Indians", "Academy of Pan Klyaksa", "Amphibian Man", etc.

Many tourists are interested in "how you can get to the Swallow's Nest of Crimea", there are several options:

by bus from Yalta (routes No. 32, 102). Get off at the stop "Sanatorium Parus" or "Swallow's Nest", and then walk down to the castle.
by car from Yalta along the Sevastopol and Alupka highways to Gaspra (13-17 km). By the way, on the way you can stop by the Livadia Palace in Crimea.
by boat from the seaport of Yalta. Under the castle there is a reliable pier where boats and pleasure boats moor.

Please note that if you get to the Swallow's Nest on foot from the stop in Gaspra, you will have to overcome more than 1200 steps. If you choose the "sea" route from the Yalta embankment, then the distance will be much less: about 400 steps.

What is inside the Swallow's Nest?

As such, there is no exposition inside the museum. She simply has nowhere to stay: after all, the area of the castle is only 120 square meters. m. Tourists are offered a small historical tour and a number of exhibitions. The latter change every few months: there are ethnographic, historical, and art exhibitions. The cost of excursions is small, from 100 rubles, but you need to keep in mind that the historical interior of the Swallow's Nest has not been preserved, so all the decor that is present is modern or restored.

Entrance to the area around the Swallow's Nest itself is free. And the castle is so beautiful that you don’t want to spend time on something other than contemplating it! By the way, the most beautiful view the Swallow's Nest opens from afar - from the rocks surrounding the stairs to the palace. So you want to walk along the path slowly in order to admire one of the symbols of Crimea to your heart's content!

In the world is a large number of beautiful and mysterious castles. In the Middle Ages, they were the most prestigious housing for a well-to-do population. The castle indicated the wealth and nobility of its owner. The buildings were well protected and had everything you need for living. The first castles appeared in England and were built of wood. Later they began to make from stone. One of the most famous such structures in Russia is the Swallow's Nest castle in the Crimea. The history of its creation, as well as curious facts about this place are presented in the article. We invite you to a virtual tour.

Crimea. "Swallow's Nest": the history of creation

At the mention of castles, we imagine something grandiose and majestic. Also remembered are the beautiful ladies who are waiting for their release. The history of the "Swallow's Nest" in the Crimea is interesting and surprising. Let's dive into it together beautiful world this place. It will be interesting to know when the construction of this castle began? Who lived here? Are there any legends associated with this place? Why is the castle so called? And also other facts related to the history of the "Swallow's Nest" in the Crimea are of interest. Next, we will try to answer all of the above questions in detail.

Construction and first owners

Curious to know when the Swallow's Nest castle was built? Crimean land has always attracted a large number of people. Wealthy and sought to buy a plot of land here favorable price. There was nothing surprising in this. After all, marvelous Mountain air, the boundless sea, beautiful nature had a beneficial effect on the human body and well-being. Estates were built here, parks were erected.

One of the rocks in particular attracted attention. They came here to meet the sunrise. One day a general (his name, unfortunately, is unknown) came up with the idea to build a dacha here. He called it "The Castle of Love". Perhaps in honor of the memory of his beloved or dreams of her. This has remained a mystery. The general watched the construction of his castle every day and admired it. Although it was only one-story and more like a cottage. After the general's death, the building was sold to Albert Tobin.

Other owners

The next mistress of the "Swallow's Nest" was a Moscow merchant's wife - Anna Rakhmanova. She decided to demolish the wooden buildings and build a new stone building. But, soon she sold the house to the German baron von Stengel. The new owner decided to completely redo the house.

A small castle was built on the rock of Aurora, which surprisingly looked like a knight's castle. But, only in miniature version. The building was simply magnificent, however, the baron did not admire it for long. The first World War and he was forced to leave for Germany. Before leaving, he sold the Swallow's Nest to a wealthy merchant, Pavel Shelaputin, who opened a restaurant here. But there was a war, and there were few who wanted to have fun in such a difficult time. Therefore, the restaurant did not last long and was soon closed.

After several earthquakes, the building was declared emergency and closed for a while. After the restoration work, fascinating excursions began to be held here.

Name

Anyone who plans to visit the "Swallow's Nest" in Crimea will also be interested in the history of the name.

Many questions that arise from tourists, here immediately find their answers. When you first see the castle, the association arises that it is attached to the rock in the same way as to the wall of the house. Moreover, the dimensions of this building are quite small. Which also emphasizes the similarity with the bird's house. It is only ten meters wide and twenty meters long.

But, and that's not all. Once upon a time a plot high cliff, from which the sea was perfectly visible, swallows chose for their housing. Hence the name of this place.

Curious facts

Getting acquainted with the history of the "Swallow's Nest" in the Crimea, you can learn a lot interesting information. Many readers will certainly be interested to know the following details about this place:

The history of the construction of the "Swallow's Nest" in Crimea is of interest not only to Russians, but also to foreign tourists.
This place was depicted by many famous artists. Among them are Ivan Aivazovsky and Alexei Bogolyubov.
The building was made in gothic style. The building reflects his character traits. Such as: elongated windows; pointedness; ribbed, repeating lines and more. Such buildings were more typical for Europe than for Russia.
Castle "Swallow's Nest" was repeatedly subjected to partial destruction. Restoration work has been carried out here several times.
The castle was once a restaurant and then a reading room.
Exhibitions of paintings by famous artists are often held here.
"Swallow's Nest" also had other names - "Generalif" and "Castle of Love".
Scenes from the once popular films "Amphibian Man" and "Ten Little Indians" were filmed here.
Once there was a garden near the castle. But, as a result of an earthquake, it collapsed into the sea. They did not restore it.

Where is it located and how to get there?

How many readers know the exact address of the "Swallow's Nest"? And how can you get here? Now you will know about it. The exact address the next castle is Crimea, Gaspra village, Alupkinskoe highway, 9 A. You can get here in the following ways:

Own car. One of the most convenient and fastest ways.
Taxi. It can be taken from the Yalta bus station.
Buses. It is best to go from Yalta. Route numbers: 102, 132. Travel time is thirty to forty minutes.
On the boat. One of the nicest ways. You can see the beautiful castle not only from land, but also from the sea.

Souvenirs and gifts

Surely our readers will be curious to know what you can buy here as a keepsake of great place. Tourists like to buy the following souvenirs and gifts:

ceramic crafts;
miniature images of the "Swallow's Nest";
plastic trays;
beautiful corals and shells;
paintings and more.

What can you do here?

Many people like to visit the most interesting sights. "Swallow's Nest", just refers to such places. It will be interesting to find out what visitors can do here from different cities and countries of the world. The list of popular entertainment in the "Swallow's Nest" will look like this:

Photographing against the backdrop of the sights.
Inspection of the territory and the building of the "Swallow's Nest".
The study of the history of the construction of the "Swallow's Nest" in the Crimea.
admire great views on the rocks and the endless sea that open up here.
Acquaintance with various exhibitions, which are constantly updated here.
Buying souvenirs, which are sold here in large quantities.
Cafe visit. Here you can refresh your strength and relax in a pleasant and cozy atmosphere.
On the territory of the castle there is a tree on which a large number of colorful ribbons are tied. It is customary for tourists to stop here. It is said that if you tie a ribbon to it and ask for something secret, then the wish will surely come true.
Relax in the sanatorium, which is located at the foot of the "Swallow's Nest".
Swim in the sea and relax on a cozy beach.

Most residents of the CIS countries will know and say for sure that this is a castle hanging over the Black Sea in Crimea. He has been seen in pictures in books, magazines, TV programs, the Internet, but this is nothing compared to reality. A huge mass of tourists saw this Crimean heritage with their own eyes.

The history of the emergence of the Swallow's Nest in the Crimea begins at the end of the 19th century. According to legend, the first owner of the building was a Russian general, but there is no documented confirmation of this. And the first mention dates back to 1895 in a guide to the Crimea. The dacha was wooden and was called "Generalif".

Since the end of the 19th century, there have been many owners of the dacha:

Court physician Tobin Adalberg Karlovich, and after his wife. A boarding house was arranged at this place, small, but considered the best in the South Coast. On a sheer cliff, the doctor's house was just located. Repair work was carried out in 1903: the main building was painted, an extension and a veranda were built. The new building can be seen in a painting by the artist Lagorio.
Between 1898 and 1905 (the exact time is unknown), Tobin's widow sold the dacha to Baron Steingel. It was by his order that the house was transformed into the castle that we can now recognize on postcards. The architect was L. Sherwood.
Approximately in the period from 1912 to 1914, it is not known who owned the castle and whether it was even intended for life.
Since 1914, the dacha belonged to Mrs. Rokhmanova.
In 1921, in the acceptance certificate of the former Swallow's Nest estate, it was documented that the building was abandoned and repeatedly looted.
During the New Economic Policy period, the building was restored and a restaurant was opened here. But already on September 12, 1927, there was an earthquake that severely damaged the building.
In the period from 1927 to 1939, some repair work was nevertheless carried out, but basically the building was neglected and belonged to the Zhemchuzhina rest house.
in 1967 - 1970, the Swallow's Nest was overhauled by Giprograd employees. The architect was I. Tatiev, the engineer V. Timofeev. Both the building and the rock were strengthened, which was also surrounded by anti-seismic belts, the architecture was slightly changed, decorative turrets and spiers were added. In 1971 the castle was opened to the public.
Until 2011, a restaurant operated in the castle.
And in July 2011, the building was recognized as the Palace-Castle Swallow's Nest.

Castle height and internal layout

In fact, the castle is very compact. The height of the Swallow's Nest is only 12 meters, and the area is 10x12 meters. Well, the height of the Aurora rock is 40 meters.

Inside the Swallow's Nest there is an entrance hall and a living room, a staircase to the second floor and two bedrooms located one above the other.

Museum: exhibitions, tours and concerts

Now the Swallow's Nest is an architectural and exhibition complex with a panoramic terrace and an adjacent small park. Approximately every one and a half to two months here, replacing one another, art, archaeological and local history exhibitions are held. You can check the schedule on the official website.

All summer evenings open sky various performances, concerts, vernissages and master classes are held on the terrace near the palace. Be sure to visit if possible!
And of course in the museum you can order sightseeing tour on the history of the castle and cape Ai-Todor. Want to send that very famous postcard with the image of the Swallow's Nest - there is a small post office here.

Legend of the Swallow's Nest

Almost every significant corner in the Crimea has its own fairy tale story. So, the legend of the Swallow's Nest castle tells about the failed love of the god of the sea, Poseidon, and the goddess of the morning dawn, Aurora.

In short, Aurora loved to meet the dawn on a rock and one day Poseidon saw her, who really liked her. But the goddess rejected his love. Poseidon went to the trick, decided to enchant Aurora with a magical diadem, asked the lord of the winds Eol to hide the sun with clouds. While waiting for the sun, Aurora dozed off. Poseidon crept up and almost bewitched the goddess, but she woke up and escaped. The diadem fell and hit the rock, part of the diamond from the crown fell into the crevice. When the clouds dissipated, a ray of sun hit the shard, which turned into a castle.

Information for visitors

Where is the Swallow's Nest

The castle is located on the Aurora rock of Cape Ai-Todoi in Gesper, South Coast. So if you are wondering "on what the Swallow's Nest is built, 5 letters", we answer - a rock!

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to the Swallow's Nest is from Yalta:

Route No. 102 from the bus station to the stop "Swallow's Nest".
Route No. 132 from the Clothing Market to the stop "Swallow's Nest".
By boat (only in summer) from the Lenin embankment, which comes directly to the foot of the Aurora rock.

It is also very convenient to come here as part of excursions to the Swallow's Nest. The prices for them are not very expensive, but there are a lot of impressions, and free time for self-examination sights give. Tourists are usually brought by bus and taken away by boat.

Address: Yalta, Gaspra town, Alupkinskoe highway, 9a
Coordinates: 44.430474, 34.128382

Prices

Visiting the area around the castle is free. And tickets to the Swallow's Nest Museum can be purchased at the following price:

200 rubles - adult ticket;
100 rubles - for children.

Museum opening hours

10:00 - 16:00 - from November to May, Mon - day off;
10:00 - 19:00 - from May to October, seven days a week.

Official site: http://lasto4kinognezdo.ru/
Webcams: http://lg.yapic.net/
Exhibition schedule: http://lasto4kinognezdo.ru/vystavki

Address on the map

In addition to architectural, Yalta is also rich in other attractions. For example, the Massandra winery, which produces wine that has become famous far beyond the borders of the country.

Swallow's Nest: history and description

History of the Swallow's Nest..." />

After joining in 1783 Crimea to Russia, eminent people began to come here. They acquired land on the South Bank, built palaces, planted gardens and parks. They came just to relax.

An unknown general, the first participant in the Russian-Turkish war, became the owner of a wooden dacha, which he decided to build on a rock, calling it the "Castle of Love".

It is no longer known what inspired the general most of all to build a dacha in this place. Perhaps the legend that once on the rock there was a sanctuary of the goddess Virgin, who was worshiped by the inhabitants. There may be mesmerizing sunrises that open from a rock that bears the name of Aurora (goddess of the morning dawn).

After the death of the general, the fact remains that the owners of the dacha changed rapidly, and each contributed to the restructuring of the building. It was then that the name "Swallow's Nest" was assigned to the place.

Major German oilman Baron von Stengel became the owner of the building in 1911. He participated in the development of Baku oil, and then he had an idea - in memory of his beloved Germany, to build a castle in the Crimea, similar to the knight's castles of the Middle Ages. And already in 1914, a miniature knight's castle, built from the Crimean gray limestone and yellow Yevpatoriya stone, built according to the project of the talented Russian architect A.V. Sherwood. The structure covers an area of 10*20 meters and has a height of 12 meters.

With the outbreak of World War I, Stengel left the Russian Empire, and the philanthropist and merchant P. Shelaputin became the owner of the building.

Where is:

Swallow's Nest in Crimea - a castle on the edge coastal cliff, which is one of the pearls of the Crimea. It is located at a distance of 15 km. from Yalta, in the village of Gaspra, Alupkinskoe highway, 9.
Majestic and mysterious, at the same time seeming unreal, rises on a steep rock - of extraordinary beauty gothic castle. The height of the rock is 40 meters. The castle “Swallow’s Nest”, covered with legends, has long and deservedly been recognized as a symbol of southern Crimea, is architectural monument and has the status of a cultural heritage of federal significance.

To see this ingenious creation of the hereditary Russian architect A.V. Sherwood, hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every year.

The location of a lonely palace, located on the very edge of a cliff, cannot touch the soul of even contemplators devoid of romance. What can we say about the artists inspired by the extraordinary landscape, who managed to capture the castle on their canvases. The Swallow's Nest can be seen in the works of not only contemporary artists, but also marine painters I.K. Aivazovsky, L.F. Lagorio, A.P. Bogolyubov.

How to get there:

The most convenient way to get to the Swallow's Nest from Yalta:

By bus:

From the bus station - route number 102 to the stop. "Bird home".

From the Clothing Market - route number 132 to the stop. "Bird home".

By Sea:

By motor ship, boat (only in holiday season) from Yalta to the Swallow's Nest, departure from the Lenin embankment. Sea vessels approach the Aurora rock.

You can see the location of the Swallow's Nest on the map below.

Video:

Restaurant Swallow's Nest:

After the purchase and sale transaction, P. Shelaputin leaves for treatment abroad and dies, minor grandchildren enter into the inheritance. The manager of the Crimean estates of the Shelaputins decides to open a profitable place in the castle - a restaurant that did not bring income due to difficult events in the country.

A restaurant was opened here again during the NEP, now it is owned by the Yalta cooperative. It was then that a terrace was built here, where the restaurant was located, which worked until the Great Crimean earthquake in 1927, which caused serious damage to the Swallow's Nest. Finally, in 1967-168. under the guidance of architect I.G. Tatiev, as well as designer V.N. Timofeev, who was the author of the reconstruction, carried out the most difficult repair by construction standards. The tower has become even more graceful, thanks to the four spiers. The seismic structures were strengthened, and the part of the castle, which previously hung over the cliff, remained unchanged.

What is inside:

Thanks to the most complex repair and reconstruction works, the palace has changed for the better, not only from the outside.

Since 2011, the Swallow's Nest restaurant has not existed. The castle is open to the public for visits. An exhibition hall has been opened, which hosts exhibitions of paintings by famous artists. Presentations, performances, concerts are held on the adjacent territory. Adjacent to the art salon viewing platforms, a small park. There is also an official site on which there are many photos of the interior and exterior decoration of the castle.

Working mode:

From May to October - from 10:00 to 19:00;

From November to April - from 10:00 to 16:00 (closed: Monday)

Excursions:

You can visit the Swallow's Nest and other iconic sights of the region by going on one of the excursions. For convenience, you can go directly from the page of this attraction to viewing offers in settlements peninsulas. Excursions to the Swallow's Nest are conducted by both private guides and tour companies. The price depends on the program, transport and experience of the guide. Choose proven excursions, for this the site has ratings and reviews.

The history of the castle on the rock. Bird home. Crimea.

Brightly illuminated against the backdrop of the sea and sky is the famous Gothic castle over the cliff - "Swallow's Nest". Inconspicuously, almost secretly, like everything truly valuable, the southwestern spur of Cape Ai-Todor darkens behind it. There are many legends about the Swallow's Nest, but its real history is also interesting.

The mysterious romance of the Middle Ages is fanned by a castle made of gray stone with graceful gothic turrets located on the very edge of a steep cliff. Every year it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists who seek to see closely the miniature pearl of architectural genius, which is today a symbol of the southern coast of Crimea. Today, the Swallow's Nest serves as a spectacular decoration and attraction. Crimean peninsula.

From the end of the 18th century, after the annexation of Crimea to Russia (1783), wealthy people began to buy land on the southern coast, build palaces, and lay parks. It has become a tradition to come to the Crimea to rest. Visitors, whether they were owners of estates with their families and guests, or poorer people who needed the Crimea for treatment, admired the coast and involuntarily put into each name the attitude of the discoverers of what had long been discovered.

Aurora by the ancient Romans goddess of dawn. Most likely, people who came and came here at dawn to meet the sunrise could call the rock after her. They were peaceful guests on this earth and continued the endless tradition of searching for beauty, like the universe itself. We are their heirs.

The first known building on the Aurora rock is considered to be wooden cottage "Generalif" ("Castle of Love"). Her owner was unknown general, a participant in the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, and, apparently, a romantic. After all, being already at the age of a general, he gave his dacha the name "Castle of Love"! What reasons inspired such a romantic name: beauty surrounding nature, enthusiastic dreams or an earthly feeling of love for a woman - we do not know. One can only fantasize about the history of a late, sad and sinful feeling, for the sake of which this refuge was built on a hard-to-reach rock. Who was next to the owner on starry nights, who woke up, who was comforted by the goddess of the morning dawn?

Now it remains only to guess what exactly inspired the romantic general to make such an unexpected decision. Perhaps it was not only the charming Crimean landscape, but also the stories of old-timers about the sanctuary of the goddess Virgin, who was worshiped by local aborigines - Taurus, once located on this place. It is also possible that a special tree led him to this idea. According to legend, it grew in the place where the castle is now located, right from the stone monolith, punching a hole for itself equal to the diameter of the trunk. Who knows, maybe the reason was one of the now forgotten Crimean legends about the goddess of the morning dawn - Aurora, in whose honor the rock was named.

Be that as it may, the picturesque area impressed the experienced warrior and inspired him to build. Every day, the general climbed the rock where the work was carried out, and made sure that his every requirement was exactly fulfilled. And soon the rock was crowned with a small but cozy one-story cottage, which received its first name - Generalif.

The "Castle of Love" on a hard-to-reach rock attracted attention; it was depicted on their canvases by marine painters I.K. Aivazovsky (1817-1900), L.F. Lagorio (1827-1905), A.P. Bogolyubov (1824-1896). Could they sing this divine landscape without stirring up the imagination, without turning to the gods themselves?

Old-timers tell a half-forgotten story about a cruel and brave horseman who, for the amusement of the public, blindfolded a doomed horse, mounted, accelerated and jumped from a cliff into the sea, flying all forty meters through the air! He managed to remain unharmed, swim ashore, bow to the audience, casually accept the award. Then I bought a new horse and prepared for the next jump.

After the death of the mysterious general, his heirs sold the dacha to Albert Tobin, a member of the city government of the city of Yalta, who served as the court physician in the Livadia Palace, a favorite vacation spot. royal family. It is known that the Tobin couple managed to somewhat modify the wooden house. At this time, the name appeared and was fixed for the house on the rock. "Bird home". But for unknown reasons, Madame Tobina chose to sell her estate to the influential Moscow merchant Anna Rakhmanova, the owner of several tenement houses in Moscow.

For the new mistress of the Swallow's Nest, a wealthy and educated lady, this acquisition was just another whim. Rakhmanova enthusiastically set about rebuilding the Crimean estate. She demolished a wooden building and erected a stone house, which can still be seen today on postcards from the early 20th century. But, apparently, by 1911, Rakhmanova lost interest in her nest

In 1911, the estate was purchased from a Moscow merchant's wife by a major German oilman Baron von Stengel . Developing Baku oil fields and, obviously, missing his native Germany, the baron wished to leave the memory of knight's castles middle ages. In 1912, a miniature castle in the Gothic style, with turrets and lancet windows, was built for him on Aurora Rock. It is thanks to him that we admire today beautiful castle reminiscent of medieval fortresses in the Gothic style, which can often be seen in the homeland of the baron, in Germany.

Like the previous owners, the oilman decided to change the design of his acquisition. To do this, he invited the Moscow modernist architect Leonid Sherwood, the youngest son of the famous architect Vladimir Sherwood, who at one time designed the building Historical Museum on Red Square in Moscow. Leonid Sherwood graduated from the Imperial Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, and then continued his studies in Paris. He was fond of the work of the talented French sculptor Auguste Rodin, knew him personally and listened to his advice. Possessing good taste, Sherwood appreciated the location of his next masterpiece and soon submitted the project to the customer.

The author of the project was a talented hereditary Moscow architect A.V. sherwood, son of the famous architect V.O. Sherwood, designer of the building of the Historical Museum in Moscow. The stepped composition conceived by the architect proceeded from the small size of the site. The building, 12 meters high, was located on a foundation 10 meters wide and 20 meters long. "Bird" volumes corresponded internal organization: entrance hall, living room, steps and two bedrooms were successively located in a two-story tower that rose above the rock. There was a garden next to the building. It collapsed into the sea as a result of an earthquake.

The Baron was delighted with the project and did not spare money for the construction work. an old house was completely demolished, and in its place in 1914 a real Gothic castle grew in miniature from gray Crimean limestone and yellow Yevpatoria stone. But he did not please his owner for long: on July 28, 1914, the First World War began, and the German oilman had to leave Russian empire. The Swallow's Nest was sold to a wealthy merchant and philanthropist Pavel Shelaputin.

In the opinion of a specialist, the wrong proportions are connected just as unsuccessfully; the combination of two cubes and a flat prism visually puts pressure on the tower's cylinder, not balancing the composition, but "trying to push it into the abyss." Contrary to architectural norms, the volumes do not come from one another and therefore do not look like a single whole. Parts of the building are coupled mechanically, but with a polar load, that is, not attracting, but pushing each other. Some elements, such as a tower with a sagging balcony, clearly lack visual heaviness. From the side of the whole palace complex seems to be a shaky structure, ready at any moment to collapse into the abyss of the sea.

Perhaps constructive instability was conceived from the beginning. Sherwood could have planned such a building at the request of the customer. However, it is impossible to find explanations for other architectural inconsistencies. Volumes increase in accordance with the height of the dull ladder, heading towards the cliff with its high end. Drawing an analogy with an arithmetic progression, each subsequent element of the building rises above the previous one. special attention not given to any of the parts; they all look equally corpulent, resembling a group of dignitaries of the same rank, lined up in height.

At the same time, some significance is communicated in detail. The ring gear increases as the height of the block decreases. In the middle part of the ensemble there is a living room, highlighted by wide windows, balconies and high cone-shaped pointed spiers connected with a number of small arches. The rusticity of the plinth is expressed in the facing of this part with stones with a roughly hewn, protruding front surface.

To the architectural shortcomings of the building, one can add a mismatch in the size of window and door openings, as well as extreme laconism. interior decoration. The decorations of the main hall are a massive fireplace, bronze sconces, antique inlay, carved details of the ceiling with convex images of dragons. The atmosphere of bygone eras is created by 11 medieval coats of arms. Yet the fabulous image is broken by dark wooden beams with overly prominent fastening details.

If architecturally, the Swallow's Nest is by no means a masterpiece, then its artistic image is admirable. The touching loneliness of the palace, staunchly resisting the elements of the sea, comes from the spectacular location. The idea of building a castle on the very edge of a steep cliff, of course, is not the merit of the architect. Beautiful place chose the first owner, who unwittingly perpetuated his dreams and presented his descendants with a fairy tale in stone.

Today, many attribute to Pavel Shelaputin such an act as the opening of a restaurant in the Swallow's Nest castle. However, this is not true. The fact is that Shelaputin was already seriously ill by that time. He managed to make a sale and purchase deal with Baron von Steingel and after that he immediately left for treatment in swiss city Friborg, where he died in the same 1914. The Swallow's Nest was inherited by his minor grandchildren.

And yet, how did this castle become a restaurant? The fact is that while the heirs were growing up, the manager of the Crimean estates of the Shelaputins decided to open a profitable place in this building - a restaurant. But he did not bring much income, since difficult times came: first the First World War broke out, then the Civil War, and after the revolution. The estate was taken by the new government, and the restaurant was closed, but not for long.

The time of the New Economic Policy (NEP) has come in the country, which has made significant changes in the life of the Swallow's Nest. This time it passed into the department of the Yalta cooperative. An open terrace was completed in the castle, where the restaurant was restored. Enterprising cooperators of those years feasted here to the sound of the waves of the Black Sea exactly until September 12, 1927 ...

“A match broke out, and, strange to say, the chair jumped to the side by itself and suddenly, in front of the astonished concessionaires, fell through the floor.

- Mother! shouted Ippolit Matveyevich, flying off to the wall, although he had not the slightest desire to do so.

Glasses popped out with a clang, and an umbrella with the inscription "I want Podkolesin", picked up by a whirlwind, flew out the window to the sea. Ostap was lying on the floor, lightly crushed by plywood shields.

It was twelve o'clock and fourteen minutes. This was the first impact of the great Crimean earthquake of 1927. A blow of nine points, which caused incalculable disasters throughout the peninsula, snatched the treasure from the hands of the concessionaires.

I. Ilf and E. Petrov,

"12 chairs"

In 1927, a strong earthquake occurred in the Crimea with its epicenter in the sea, near the coast of Yalta. There were two aftershocks in the middle of the night. The first - weak, as if warning, forced people to leave their homes. Therefore, during many destructions there were relatively few victims. The second push hit a full nine points.

A powerful earthquake, which went down in the history of the peninsula as Yalta, or Crimean, brought a lot of trouble and destruction. Stone blocks fell off the rocks and flew down, destroying everything in their path. Even Mount Ayu-Dag slipped into the sea from such a powerful push. The castle on the Aurora rock did not bypass the trouble. Here is how this event is described in A. Nikonov's book "The Crimean earthquake of 1927": The audience dispersed only 10 minutes before the main shock, from which the tower of this intricate dacha collapsed. Stones that fell on the balcony smashed tables and chairs, broke the railing and threw some of this furniture into the sea, where visitors would have followed if they had lingered 10 minutes later. In the tower, built of yellow Evpatoria stone, 2 gaps formed, as if a huge core had pierced it. Part of the Aurora rock collapsed, the observation terrace in front of the building hung over the abyss. And at the end of this catastrophe, a deep spit right under the castle cracked in the rock.

The Swallow's Nest survived, but for many years it became an emergency building, and for forty years it turned into romantic ruins. True, there is evidence that in the 1930s life here resumed for a short time. The castle was converted into a library for vacationers of the Zhemchuzhina sanatorium, which was located nearby. Apparently local authorities did not take seriously the consequences of the earthquake. And only when the cracks in the building began to spread menacingly, the operation of the Swallow's Nest was banned. Of course, later it was not without extreme tourists who, in search of adventure, were looking for any opportunity to “seep” into the castle grounds in order to admire the marvelous view that opened from the observation deck.

There were many proposals for an unprecedented and absolutely necessary repair technique. There was even a radical idea - to dismantle the castle, number the stones and slabs and put them in the same order on the new one, safe place. No, that would no longer be the Swallow's Nest!

In the 1930s, the castle housed reading room of the local rest home.

Postcards 1928-33

Only in 1967-1968, forty years after the earthquake, workers "Yaltaspetsstroy" completed this semi-fantastic renovation without dismantling the walls. Managed the operation architect I.G. Tatiev . First of all, it was necessary to bring a crane and other rather heavy construction equipment to the object. And this is on roads that were intended mainly for cars and rare food trucks! With great difficulty and risk it was possible to complete all the preparations. The rock turned out to be overloaded, and the work, meanwhile, was planned for a long time. She demanded skill, ingenuity, and great courage from the builders.

The restoration work that began in 1968 concerned the strengthening of the foundation, the partial modification of the facade and interior spaces. The author of the restoration project, Yalta designer V.N. Timofeev planted the outer block of the building on a cantilevered reinforced concrete slab placed under the central volume. Thus, the outermost part of the house, which remained hanging over the collapsed rock, was securely fixed. In addition to the monolithic slab, the entire building was surrounded by anti-seismic belts.

The tower, increased in height, acquired a decorative effect thanks to four spiers. The correct architectural technique broke the dull increase in volumes, focusing on the outer part of the palace. Today, the restored castle is officially recognized as an architectural monument of the last century.

If climbers are used to spending their "working days" over the abyss, then for the masons of "Yaltaspetsstroy" this was a novelty. Volunteers were found and saved the case. Working in a suspended cradle, they filled the crack with stones and filled it with concrete. A reinforced concrete slab was brought under the base of the castle, the seams were covered with a lead sheath. Then, without heroism and without haste, the workers carried out the restoration of the building. In such an “anti-seismic zone”, the updated Swallow's Nest has found, to the delight of everyone who loved and loves Crimea, a second life.

IN modern times near the Gothic walls, a spontaneous souvenir market has grown. What you will not see here: thousands of small crafts made of ceramics, juniper and all kinds of plastics, corals and shells of tropical seas, color photographs, paintings. Most of the views of the Swallow's Nest itself: on canvas, on whatman paper, on metal and plastic trays, on "amphoras" made of noble ceramics. Hot item for 24/7 local trade!

Rock "Sail"

Rock "Golden Gate"

And now many young men are drawn to feats: to surprise the public or a lady of the heart, test their abilities, look fear in the face by jumping down from a great height ... into the surging Black Sea ... Yes, there were desperate guys who decided on such jumps. Not everyone, unfortunately, was lucky. Rare lucky ones remained unharmed, only resting for a few days. But there were daredevils ready to repeat the jump and even earn money! It is also true that their clothes were torn, as if cut with a razor ...

One fantastic case is recounted here in different ways. A young Yalta resident, a resident of one of the old quarters of Derekoy, after a heavy quarrel with his wife, went to the Swallow's Nest, climbed a forbidden cliff, climbed over the parapet and, in desperation, and perhaps with some showiness counting on the audience, rushed down. The doomed heart could stop even in flight, but a long-term skill worked: having grown up by the sea, a person jumped from rocks and solariums many times. He did not succumb to mortal horror - he straightened up, spread his arms with wings, flew vertically down, correcting the trajectory in the air stream, which suddenly turned out to be his assistant, entered exactly with his head, breaking the surface, like a fake ceiling, with his hands outstretched forward. When he surfaced and reached the shore, vacationers with cameras rushed to him. The “hero” was praised, encouraged, asked to repeat the jump, and even collected money. The unfortunate (or, on the contrary, too lucky?) suicide refused: a step, fatal in design, brought him back to life ...

From the side of the sea at the foot of the cliff, you can find several underwater caves and even dive into each of them, illuminating the path with a waterproof lantern. Hunters for the unique, you will not be disappointed! Just be on the lookout: the underwater grotto is not the best place for meetings, and a meeting with those who dived there earlier and are already sailing back is not at all excluded, especially during the day, in the midst of beach season. Don't scare each other!

The mooring in a cozy bay allows local motor ships to moor even in a storm of magnitude four, when the neighboring port points "Golden Beach" and "Miskhor" are closed. Sea and land excursions to the "original building" - the castle "Swallow's Nest" are going from all over the Crimea. Almost everyone who comes to the Crimea strives to go up to the Swallow's Nest at least once. True, on the site in front of the castle, where it has already become crowded with souvenir dealers, so many inquisitive people gather in the summer that thoughts about the fertile off-season involuntarily come when at least early in the morning one or two manage to be here.

Since July 2011, the Swallow's Nest is no longer a restaurant. The renovated palace-castle is now open to all guests and residents of the Crimean peninsula. Entrance to the castle will always be free from now on.

Tourists will be allowed into the exhibition hall on the territory of the castle. The castle hosts an exhibition Magic world Arkhip Ivanovich Kuindzhi”, which presents paintings from the funds of the Simferopol art museum, incl. his legendary painting "Moonlight Night on the Dnieper".

The uniqueness of the exhibition lies in the fact that it is framed according to the same principle used by the artist himself. The paintings are presented in absolute darkness, illuminated by a directed beam of light. It is also planned to hold chamber music concerts, historical and literary evenings, theatrical performances, presentations, etc. in the palace and on the territory adjacent to it.

It is planned to create an exhibition pavilion, which will open an art salon for organizing trade in paintings, photographs, decorative and applied products, souvenirs, local history literature. The plan is to reconstruct the monument and bring the adjacent territory into proper shape: in particular, it is planned to equip two viewing platforms and repair access roads. The Swallow's Nest is a monument of architecture and history, located on a sheer 40-meter Aurora cliff of Cape Ai-Todor in the Yalta village of Gaspra.

The Ministry of Culture of Crimea and the Republican Committee of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea for the Protection of Cultural Heritage have developed a concept for the use of an architectural monument: chamber music concerts, historical and literary evenings, theatrical performances, presentations and much more will be held in the castle and on the adjacent territory. An art salon will open in the exhibition pavilion. Thanks to this, trade in paintings, photographs, souvenirs, local history literature, etc. will be organized.

The architectural monument "Swallow's Nest" will be a favorite place for tourists and people who love art. Exhibitions and wonderful concerts will certainly find their regular audience.

In the near future, balls for young people will be held on the territory of the castle accompanied by exquisite live music. So, perhaps, we will soon become witnesses and participants in the first ball for the girls of Yalta.