Coral Castle - Unique Places in the World

Mysteries come in several forms, either through an unsolved or unexplained event or phenomenon. However, mysteries are wrapped in rich history and sometimes legends that are yet to be proven. Although people, places, and events are often mysterious beyond any explanations, several mysterious buildings around the world are also physical forces to be reckoned with. Such buildings have not only become popular tourist destinations but also subjects of discussions and places to film movies. Coral Castle in Leisure City is one of the examples of mysterious because of the legend behind its construction that has stumped scientists for decades.

5. Threats

The Coral Castle has been under the management of the Coral Castle Inc. since 1984. Most of the stones are still intact despite the fact that there was no mortar used on them. The castle has survived harsh weather conditions including Category 5 Hurricane Andrew in 1992. However, the original gate was damaged by the rusting of the bearing. The growing suburb and the activity around Miami-Dade County are likely to have a direct impact on the Coral Castle.

4. Tourism

Coral Castle is a popular tourist attraction in Miami. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. The castle is top ranked by TripAdvisor and is also among top 10 Historic Hot Spots in South Florida. Although the Coral Castle doesn’t look like a castle, that has not discouraged tourists from visiting it. It was opened for tourists for the first time in 1953, two years after the death of the castle's creator. Visitors are allowed into the castle between 0800 hrs and 1800 hrs from Sunday to Thursday and 0800 hrs to 2000 hrs on Friday and Saturday with tour guides on site to take the visitors around.

3. Uniqueness

Coral Castle is not the typical castle one would expect. The legend behind its construction and its precision makes it one of the beauties to behold. Edward had allegedly been rejected by his 16-year old fiancé on the night before the wedding. He vowed never to marry again and dedicated the rest of his 30 years building the castle. For 30 years he worked on the site alone at night hidden from the eyes of observers and would stop working if he sensed someone was watching him. How he managed to carry the heavy stones and place them on top of each other without cranes remains a big mystery. This mystery surrounding the construction of the Coral Castle is actually what makes it unique.

2. Habitat

The Coral Castle lies behind a massive 8-foot high coral rock wall on a 10-acre tract in the State of Florida, Miami-Dade County. The area around the castle is composed of Oolite limestone and is few miles away from the Atlantic Ocean. Coral Castle is surrounded by several tree species separating it from the growing suburb. The trees are thought to have blocked people from noticing Edward work on the site.

1. Description

Coral Castle is an oolite limestone structure built in the early 20th century by reclusive eccentric Edward Leedskalnin. The castle comprises of several megalithic stones weighing several tons in the form of walls, carvings, furniture, and castle towers. The stones are joined to each other without mortar and are stable on each other due to their weights which keep them together. The castle has several features including a two-storey tower that served as a living quarter, furniture such as a heart-shaped table, rocking chairs, and crescent-moon like chairs, beds, and a throne. The revolving gate is a famous feature of the castle. The gate is so well balanced that a child could easily open it with a finger push.