Homestead, Florida: Coral Castle

There are so many stories and myths about this attraction that it is difficult to sort the facts from the fantasy. It was built by a five-foot-tall, 100 pound man, Ed Leedskalnin. He used his knowledge of stone masonry, pulleys, fulcrums, and levers to build this impressive structure.

Legend has it that the castle was built due to unrequited love. That is not quite correct. This is not the first structure Mr. Leedskalnin built. The first structure is about 20 miles away, and he referred to it as The Farm. He told people he built that structure as a tribute to his first love. He later told people he left his lost love back at the farm. When people asked him why he built the Coral Castle he would tell them it was for the 316s. People assumed that this was his lost love's birthday, and occasionally refer to the Coral Castle as a tribute to her because she was Mr. Leedskalnin's "Sweet Sixteen."

One of the many interesting things about the Coral Castle is its abundance of Masonic signs and symbols. There is clearly a Masonic altar and lectern. The Square and Compass and six pointed star are in evidence throughout the Castle, as well as many pyramids. The whole complex further appears to follow the 47th problem of Euclid. It is interesting to note that the number 316 is used by a number of Masonic Lodges throughout the United States.

Google maps gave us bad directions, but we pulled over and asked a local who got us there in a jiffy. The place is just beautiful, worth the price of admission. There are some great examples of improvised engineering, including a huge stone door that pivots on ball bearings.

Make sure that the weather is fair on the day you visit, it's all outside.

The 9-ton gate no longer swings at the push of an index finger. Apparently, after some work done a few years ago to maintain it, the gate has settled and requires a lot more 'oomph' to make it move. Also, if you're going, check for a coupon in the free area tour guides.

Rocker Billy Idol filmed the music video for his song, "Sweet Sixteen" at the Coral Castle in Florida. The song is supposedly based on the story of Edward Leedskalnin and his "Sweet Sixteen". The gift shop at Coral Castle has pictures from Billy Idol's video shoot which took place there back in the 80's. Not earthshattering info but thought you might want to know. I stopped at the Coral Castle in Aug 2002 while on my honeymoon. My wife couldn't believe in driving so far out of our way to see the sight. She loved it once she saw it.