Welcome to Coral Castle

In Leisure City — an unassuming, sun-faded enclave a few miles south of Miami and just thirty-five minutes north of Key Largo, near the crossroads of US-1 and 157th Avenue, lies a handmade fortress of coral stone that seems to mock the laws of physics: Coral Castle.

Once upon a time.

A long time ago, I left Las Vegas and moved to South Florida . And I mean really south! Ever since, I’ve lived just thirty minutes from Key Largo.

I have even spent a few years in Marathon , but it wasn’t the Florida Keys that actually trapped me — it was the breeze, the trees, and the birds. The lizards, the monkeys, and even the peacocks helped seal the deal. It feels like living inside an open-air historical, biological, and zoological museum.

Within this vast and curious corner of the world lies Coral Castle, just a mile from my home. I’ve been walking or biking past it almost every single day for years.

Not long after moving here, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to step inside. And what a surprise it was! In fact, 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.

The Genius Behind Coral Castle.

Coral 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.

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!

Dig deeper into the mystery.

• Coral Castle (main site)
• Wikipedia on Coral Castle
• Ed Leedskalnin

FAQs

1. Who was Edward’s fiancée? Agnes Scuffs.
2. Where did Edward source the coral? From his properties in Florida City and Homestead.
3. How long did it take to build? 28 years.
4. Where was Edward born? Riga, Latvia.
5. When was Edward born and when did he die? Edward was born on August 10, 1887 and died on December 7, 1951.