Belvedere Castle: a castle in Central Park
Did you know there's a medieval castle in Central Park? Discover its fascinating history and how to get there. An unmissable hidden gem in New York!
Central Park holds plenty of surprises. Among the must-see sights, don’t miss Belvedere Castle, an unlikely replica of a medieval castle nestled in the heart of the park.
Why a castle in Central Park?
- Belvedere Castle was designed in 1865 by landscape architects Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, nearly 10 years after Central Park first opened. They wanted to create a romantic new focal point.
- The castle was conceived as a “Victorian folly.” It blends Romanesque and Gothic architecture, built from local granite. In 1919, the castle was expanded and the U.S. Weather Service installed a permanent weather station there.
Where is Belvedere Castle?
- Belvedere Castle sits on Vista Rock, the second-highest point in Central Park. It stands in the middle of the park, between the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the Upper East Side and the American Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side. You can easily visit the castle before or after exploring either of these major museums.
- To find the castle, head toward Turtle Pond, a charming small pond home to turtles. You’ll soon spot Belvedere Castle perched atop a small artificial hill. Simply follow the path that leads up to the overlook.
What to see at Belvedere Castle?
- Once you reach the hilltop, you’ll find yourself at the foot of this fairy-tale castle, worthy of Sleeping Beauty. Step onto the esplanade to enjoy a panoramic view over northern Central Park and the Upper East Side. Visit in the afternoon so the sun is behind you for the best light.
- Then enter the castle itself. Belvedere Castle now houses Central Park’s weather station and the Henry Luce Nature Observatory, a scientific center dedicated to bird watching. A permanent exhibition features papier-mâché birds, and you can look through microscopes available to visitors.
- Tip: The observatory’s scientists provide binoculars and field guides for those interested in bird watching. Ask if you’d like to use them.
