Coral Castle is by far the most unique attraction the state of Florida has to offer. The one-of-a-kind wonder was constructed in the name of romance, but is shrouded with mystery and secrets. Built in the dead of the night so not a single soul could witness its development, the monument still confounds its visitors to this day.
Some claim they know how the engineering and technical accomplishments of the masterpiece were achieved while others allege magnetic energy and supernatural powers were at work. Regardless of the assembly, the question surrounding the passion showpiece is whether or not Coral Castle was created by a romantic genius or an infatuated recluse.
The Man Behind Coral Castle
The ill-fated story begins in Riga, Latvia where Edward Leedskalnin was abandoned by his blushing bride, Agnes, one day before the wedding ceremony. She was ten years his junior and he affectionately called her his “Sweet Sixteen.” Heartbroken, he fled to the states and began a 28 year quest to erect a testament of his love and devotion.
Leedskalnin was quite the small statured man, 5 feet tall and 100 pounds, yet he somehow found a way to lift and transport colossal-sized blocks of stone to be carved into a token of his love. It is said that he was eccentric and a highly private man, but he did allow visitors while he was still alive and building. Although he invited Agnes to come and see the monument he built for her, she refused and never saw Ed’s labor of love.
Word spread and curious visitors from around the world have come to scrutinize the unique site. After hearing about the monument, Billy Idol was inspired to write “Sweet Sixteen” as a tribute to Coral Castle and its creator.
The Castle in Perspective
More than 1,100 tons (2,200,000 pounds) of coquina rock was used to build Coral Castle. Let’s put that in perspective. That weight is equivalent to 550 average sized cars, 183 African elephants, 55 whale sharks or two of the heaviest Boeing 747’s. One love struck man lifted, moved and carved this substantial amount of coral. Leedskalnin made claims he knew the logistics behind Atlantis and how the pyramids were built but went to the grave with his secrets.
The Furniture
The castle site is enclosed with 8′ high rock walls. The rock walls themselves are impressive as Leedskalnin used NO mortar or cement to bind them together. In 1992, the walls withstood the fury of Category 5 Hurricane Andrew without shifting an inch.
One of the astounding highlights of Coral Castle is a 9-ton (18,000 pound) door perfectly balanced with no modern tools. Back in the day, the door reportedly could be opened by a child’s push of a finger. Now that’s impressive. It also has multiple 3-ton rocking chairs, an accurate sundial, a 22-ton obelisk, a barbecue, a water well, and a subterranean refrigerator.
The rock table and chair set is sculpted as the state of Florida with Lake Okeechobee as its water basin. The lake is Florida’s largest and it provides much of the drinking water in the southern part of the state.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not dubbed the 5,000-pound heart-shaped rock table the world’s largest valentine.
So where did Ed live? The two-story castle tower was his workshop and living quarters. The first floor held his tools and the second floor is where his simple bed and chair still hangs.
Was the creation of Coral Castle chivalry at its best or an outrageous plea for love and attention? You be the judge.
Coral Castle Museum
28655 South Dixie Highway
Miami, FL 33033
(305) 248-6345
Opens daily at 8 am
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Chris Travels
Hmmm, this crazy coral monstrosity has me stumped, no matter how many facts about it are known. “Deranged” would definately be my word of choice for describing its engineer and builder. Briiliant as Ed may have been, there are too many other negative adjectives that might also have described him. I can see why Agnes chose a different direction for her life…run baby run!
Dang Travelers
Run baby run might be right Chris! His masterpiece was a highlight of our Florida trip, but I think he was a bit crazy myself.
Rachel
Wow this is pretty crazy! I had no idea about this place and I live in Florida!
Dang Travelers
Really? Glad to be the one to inform you! 🙂 We didn’t know either (been to Florida a bunch of times) until researching the Miami area.
Rachel Taylor
This is so interesting. One day hopefully I will be able to visit it!
Dang Travelers
Thanks Rachel. It is an interesting and unique stop. Not sure what was going through that man’s mind when he was building his “castle.”
Carol Colborn
A testament to love is always a great expression for any one. Since this one is from an unrequited love, it does not look so majestic and elegant as the Taj Mahal. Nevertheless, I can feel the love that was oozing. I would not call it deranged.
Dang Travelers
That’s where the expression crazy in love comes from, right? We all get a little nutty when we fall for someone. I wonder if he thought it would bring her back to him or if he just wanted to express his feelings.
Jocelyn
The furniture doesn’t look too comfy, lol.
Florida sounds like the perfect place for something strange like this…it is full of oddities!
Dang Travelers
You got that right Jocelyn! We love Florida and its quirkiness it has going on.
Claudia
Woooww!! I didn’t know nothing about it!! This year we’ll be in US for tue first time (NYC and California), hope for Florida for tre next time 😍😍
Dang Travelers
First trip to the US? That’ll be fun! Cali and NY are great states to start out. Florida has beautiful beaches and interesting attractions.
Aileen Adalid
Now this is quite interesting. I’ve actually never heard of this; but for sure, I’ll be keeping note of it. It’s quite an odd but fascinating thing in itself!
Dang Travelers
Very strange but interesting for sure!
Cameron
I love quirky destinations like this. They always have so much character and can be much more entertaining then the big destinations and tourists attractions. Looks like a great afternoon.
Dang Travelers
We feel the same way, we love quirky stops and destinations. Coral Castle was right up there for odd and interesting!
Grietje | TravelGretl
Wow, looks like crazy things are happening here! Reminds me of the crazy house in Dalat, Vietnam 😉
Dang Travelers
Haven’t been to Vietnam yet, but we’ll have to remember that when we go.
Heather Simon Carlson
I had no idea this place even existed, now I am curious. I think I will check it out next time I’m in Miami
Dang Travelers
We didn’t know about it either until we were looking up things to do on our month long road trip through Florida. It is probably one of the strangest stops we’ve made!
Charles McCool
Wow, I visited Coral Castle on a field trip when I was in elementary school in South Florida. I will not tell you how long ago that was! I should return as an adult to see what I think.
Dang Travelers
Hahaha. You should go back. It’s always a different experience visiting a place as an adult versus a child. I grew up in the Chicago area and I always took our museums for granted because we would go there on field trips as kids. It wasn’t till I was an adult that I realized how lucky we were to grow up with such fantastic places so close!