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Antonito, Colorado: Cano's Castle: Beer Can Folk Art

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
State St., Antonito, CO
Directions:
On the north side of town, three blocks east of US Hwy 285/Main St. Between E. 10th and E. 11th Aves, on State St. Usually no castle interior access.
Admission:
Free to look, but Cano asks for a donation to speak.
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Cano's Castle.

Cano's Castle: Beer Can Folk Art

A glittery metal junk castle is a one-man project. Cano claims that God built it. A fire in Jan. 2022 burned the adjacent house, but spared the castle and Cano.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [12/12/2010]

Visitor Tips and News About Cano's Castle: Beer Can Folk Art

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Cano's Castle

The two towers of this unique folk art construction are safe, but a fire on January 13 burned the residence of artist Dominic Cano Espinoza, the castle's builder.

[S. Brian Berkun, 01/14/2022]

According to follow-up news reports, Cano escaped unharmed and his neighbors have said that they'll pitch in to help him rebuild what was burned.

Cano's Beer Can Castle.

Cano's Castle - Beer Can Folk Art

Cano's Castle is impressive for a quick stop.

[Jennifer Kefer, 10/10/2021]

Cano's Castle.

Cano's Castle - Beer Can Folk Art Environment

Cano's Castle isn't exactly made entirely of beer cans. It's more like a few smashed beer cans nailed to the walls, along with hubcaps and strips of aluminum. It's still very amazing, but I was under the impression that it would be entirely constructed of cans. I got to see the creator outside working on his home, which is right next to the castle. I also met the turkeys he keeps behind it. The neighbors are pretty accustomed to people stopping by to see it. We parked in front of a house down the dirt street, and the guy on the porch with his dog nicely asked if "Y'all seen the castle." His creation is pretty spectacular, but I can't say the same for his spelling skills. In front of the castle a sign warns, "Alcohol + Tobacco is Kills." Also something that wasn't mentioned here is the saloon in front of the castle. There is a big "Saloon" sign and tons of empty liquor bottles strewn around a bench. It makes for a pretty funny picture.

[Lisa Cattano, 06/14/2005]

Near as we can tell, misspelled signs are part of a proud Outsider Art tradition. While some of us were competing in the county spelling bee, these guys were out collecting scrap metal for a lasting, lifetime achievement!

Cano Castle.

Cano's Castle - Beer Can Folk Art Environment

Native American vet Cano lived with his mother in Antonito, located in south central Colorado. Built after repeated demands that he do something about his growing pile of empty beer cans. More than 20 years, and a depleted junk yard, he has nearly completed the Knight in his series of structures. The first and largest is called the King, next to that is the Queen and flanking the King is the Rook. Surrounding the property is the Crown. Cano credits his artwork to his religion and his devotion to God. He says about his materials: "one man's junk is my treasure." The site is visible from State Route 285.

[Henry Chavez, 05/24/2004]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Indiana Jones House: Bed and BreakfastIndiana Jones House: Bed and Breakfast, Antonito, CO - < 1 mi.
Jack Dempsey Statue and MuseumJack Dempsey Statue and Museum, Manassa, CO - 7 mi.
Statue of Old Mose the Grizzly BearStatue of Old Mose the Grizzly Bear, Alamosa, CO - 28 mi.
In the region:
The UFO Watchtower, Hooper, CO - 49 mi.

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