This study presents the fabrication and characterization of strong, lightweight, and recoverable three-dimensional ceramic nanolattices. The nanolattices are fabricated using two-photon lithography to create octet-truss polymer nanolattices, which are then coated with alumina using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The polymer is subsequently removed using focused ion beam (FIB) milling and oxygen plasma etching, resulting in free-standing hollow ceramic nanolattices. The nanolattices exhibit high strength, stiffness, and recovery capability after compression. The failure modes of the nanolattices are analyzed, considering three potential mechanisms: fracture, Euler buckling, and local buckling. The failure criteria are derived based on the mechanical properties of the constituent material, alumina. The critical transition between failure modes is determined by comparing the failure equations for different failure mechanisms. The results show that the critical shell buckling transition is t/a ≈ 0.0161–0.0262, and the Euler buckling transition is a/L ≈ 0.0591–0.0755. These values are used to predict the failure mode for each structure. The nanolattices are tested under compression, and their post-compression recovery is observed. The recovery is attributed to the elastic properties of the material and the structure's ability to redistribute stresses. The study also includes in-situ compression videos showing the deformation and recovery behavior of the nanolattices under different conditions. The results demonstrate that the ceramic nanolattices are strong, lightweight, and recoverable, making them promising candidates for various applications in engineering and materials science. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical behavior of ceramic nanolattices and their potential for future applications.This study presents the fabrication and characterization of strong, lightweight, and recoverable three-dimensional ceramic nanolattices. The nanolattices are fabricated using two-photon lithography to create octet-truss polymer nanolattices, which are then coated with alumina using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The polymer is subsequently removed using focused ion beam (FIB) milling and oxygen plasma etching, resulting in free-standing hollow ceramic nanolattices. The nanolattices exhibit high strength, stiffness, and recovery capability after compression. The failure modes of the nanolattices are analyzed, considering three potential mechanisms: fracture, Euler buckling, and local buckling. The failure criteria are derived based on the mechanical properties of the constituent material, alumina. The critical transition between failure modes is determined by comparing the failure equations for different failure mechanisms. The results show that the critical shell buckling transition is t/a ≈ 0.0161–0.0262, and the Euler buckling transition is a/L ≈ 0.0591–0.0755. These values are used to predict the failure mode for each structure. The nanolattices are tested under compression, and their post-compression recovery is observed. The recovery is attributed to the elastic properties of the material and the structure's ability to redistribute stresses. The study also includes in-situ compression videos showing the deformation and recovery behavior of the nanolattices under different conditions. The results demonstrate that the ceramic nanolattices are strong, lightweight, and recoverable, making them promising candidates for various applications in engineering and materials science. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical behavior of ceramic nanolattices and their potential for future applications.