A Megalithic Monument: Coral Castle in South Florida

For those traveling to South Beach and the Miami area, one of the most fascinating attractions for tourists is Coral Castle in Leisure City.

The History

Created by the eccentric Latvian-born Edward Leedskalnin, Coral Castle (originally named Rock Gate Park) was hand-built over the course of 28 years, starting in 1923 up to his death in 1951. The “castle” isn’t really a castle at all; rather, it is an open-air sculpture garden of tables, chairs, walls, obelisks, and other structures made with immense blocks of limestone.

Much mystery surrounds the methods of building the large stone structures, which weigh up to 30 tons or more. Leedskalnin remained quiet about his methods, protecting his privacy by doing all his work at night by the light of lanterns, and the only clue he would give visitors of the castle was that “It was simple once you knew how.” Many speculate on the use of magnetic force to move the structures, while others wonder if a supernatural method was employed. However, the most widely accepted theory is that Leedskalnin used his knowledge of weight and leverage, along with his family background of stone masonry to lift and create the megalithic structures.

The construction of Coral Castle began on Leedskalnin’s property in Florida City at a remote location near the edge of the Everglades. However, in 1936, he learned that there would be a new residential development built close to the castle. With a desire to preserve his privacy, he decided to move the structures to a new location in Leisure City that remains their permanent home today.

While continuing to build his estate, Leedskalnin conducted tours of the grounds for 10 cents a person. Into the front stone gate he carved a message for visitors: “Ring bell twice.” After hearing the bell, he would come down from the castle tower, which was his private residence, and conduct the tour himself.

When asked about the inspiration for the many sculptures and tireless work on his part, he would simply state it was for his “Sweet Sixteen.” This led to speculation on the meaning behind Coral Castle and who or what this “Sweet Sixteen” referred to. Many believe Leedskalnin was alluding to his love and would-be wife, Agnes Scuffs, who called off their engagement the day before their nuptials and left him brokenhearted. He decided to build Coral Castle as a testament to his lost love, though it has been noted that the woman in question never visited the castle or was even made aware of the castle’s existence and its dedication to her.

When Leedskalnin passed away in 1951, the castle was inherited by his closest living relative, his nephew Harry, who lived in Michigan. Harry kept up the castle until he became ill and could no longer care for it, and eventually sold the property to an Illinois family in 1953. It was then that the castle’s name was officially changed from Rock Gate Park to the Coral Castle and tours were once again held. In 1981, the castle was sold to Coral Castle, Inc. for $175,000 and is still owned by the organization today.

The Castle

The actual castle grounds consist of handmade stone walls, furniture, carvings, and a tower that served as the actual residential aspect of the castle. Though called the “Coral Castle,” the structures are actually made of a type of limestone that was collected from the surrounding area. These heavy megaliths have withstood the test of time and the Florida elements, weathering the 1992 Hurricane Andrew with not a single stone moving. This is a great feat considering the fact that no mortar was used in the construction of the castle. Instead, the stones were carved with great care and precision, then set atop each other.

There are many impressive features to view on the grounds, such as an obelisk, a fountain, water well, barbecue, a Polaris telescope, and an accurate sundial. Along with these, Coral Castle also has stone furniture crafted by Leedskalnin that remains today. Some of these items include a bathtub, multiple beds and rocking chairs, a heart-shaped table, a table in the shape of Florida, chairs in the shape of crescent moons, and of course, a throne fit for the gloriously eccentric — yet obviously very skilled — creator of the castle.

Another highlight of the castle is its eight-foot-tall movable stone gate. Carved to fit snugly within the wall, the original gate was so perfectly balanced that it was reported that it could be opened with the push of a finger. It broke, however, in the mid-1980s and was subsequently repaired, although the new stone gate does not operate as smoothly and easily as the old gate was said to move.

The mystery of how one man managed to create such structures, the enigma of Leedskalnin’s motivation, the tale of lost love, and the sheer craftsmanship on display are just some of the reasons that Coral Castle remains a popular spot to visit in Florida.