Welcome to Coral Castle!
Leisure City is not Miami, let alone New York — but tucked away in this unassuming sun-faded enclave a few miles south of Miami Beach, lies a handmade fortress of coral stone that mocks the laws of physics: Coral Castle.
Within this vast space lies Coral Castle, just a mile from my own place. I walk by the Castle almost every single day.
One day, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to step inside. And what a surprise it was!
In fact, I was so amazed that even more than twenty years later, I still find myself wondering how one man, driven by love, could have built such a marvel entirely on his own.
A Hidden Gem in Leisure City.
While tourists on their way to the Florida Keys often drive by Leisure City on US-1, they often miss one of Florida’s most intriguing landmarks. Just 20 minutes before reaching The Stretch to Key Largo, Coral Castle invites visitors to delve into a world of history, mystery, and love.
This is not a flashy attraction —it has no neon lights or blaring music. Instead, Coral Castle draws you in with its quiet allure and otherworldly charm, so much so that you may forget your original destination entirely.
The Genius Behind Coral Castle.
The Castle was built by Edward Leedskalnin , an eccentric Latvian-American who arrived in Florida in the early 20th century.
Beginning his work in 1923, Edward single-handedly carved and moved massive coral stones over 28 years, completing the Castle shortly before his death in 1951.
How Edward managed this incredible feat without modern machinery remains one of Coral Castle’s greatest mysteries. He worked primarily at night, claiming he had discovered the secrets of the pyramids. Whether his knowledge of magnetic forces or sheer ingenuity enabled him to construct this wonder remains unknown.
Some speculate that Edward’s recovery from a mysterious illness upon his arrival in Florida fueled his inspiration. Others believe he built the Castle as a monument to lost love, particularly for his fiancée, Agnes Scuffs, who never joined him in America.
A Monument Like No Other.
Visitors today can marvel at Coral Castle’s many remarkable features, including a nine-ton stone gate that swings effortlessly with a single finger. The Castle’s intricate carvings, mysterious construction methods, and rich history make it a must-see for travelers seeking something unique.
Edward’s sense of humor and practicality are evident in the stone sign at the entrance. Originally taken from his farm in Florida City, the sign served as a warning to would-be trespassers who trampled his plants and neglected his work. Today, it welcomes visitors to his extraordinary world.
FAQs
- Who was Edward’s fiancée? Agnes Scuffs.
- Where did Edward source the coral? From his properties in Florida City and Homestead.
- How long did it take to build? 28 years.
- Where was Edward born? Riga, Latvia.
- When was Edward born and when did he die? Edward was horn on August 10, 1887 and died on December 7, 1951.
Dig deeper into the mystery.
Plan your visit to Coral Castle.
Coral Castle now serves as a museum, offering guided tours and audio guides in multiple languages. These tours provide a fascinating glimpse into the life and mind of Edward Leedskalnin. You really don't want to miss it!
Coral Castle
28655 S Dixie HwyHomestead, FL 33033, USA