Coral Castle, Stone sculpture garden in Homestead, United States
Coral Castle is a sculpture garden made of coral limestone in Homestead, Florida, composed of more than 1000 tons of hand-shaped stone. Walls, furniture pieces, and astronomical objects are cut from massive blocks weighing several tons each, all shaped without modern machinery.
Edward Leedskalnin, an immigrant from Latvia, built the complex between 1923 and 1951 working alone with hand tools and no technical assistance. In 1936 he moved the entire structure from Florida City to its present location in Homestead.
The site draws visitors interested in handmade craftsmanship and independent building methods, and many people see it as a tribute to determination and resourcefulness. The place is often treated as a source of inspiration where people reflect on what one person can create through patience and labor.
The site lies south of Miami on Route 1 in Homestead and opens daily, with guided tours available through the grounds. The place is best explored on foot, and visitors should allow enough time to examine the individual sculptures and structures closely.
A gate weighing nine tons can be opened with a light push of the fingers because it rests perfectly balanced on a metal shaft. The construction remained functional for decades without maintenance until the shaft eventually needed to be replaced.
Location: Miami-Dade County
Location: Homestead
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-18:00; Friday,Saturday 08:00-20:00
Website: https://coralcastle.com
GPS coordinates: 25.50061,-80.44436
Latest update: December 2, 2025 21:23
Miami, a major city on Florida's southeastern coast, combines Caribbean influences with American culture. The city extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Everglades and includes diverse neighborhoods with distinct identities. Miami Beach, South Beach, and the Art Deco Historic District shape the coastal landscape, while Little Havana reflects the city's Cuban heritage. Cultural offerings range from the Pérez Art Museum Miami to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and the Wolfsonian-FIU. Wynwood Walls has become a center for street art. Natural areas like Everglades National Park, Oleta River State Park, and Crandon Park provide access to subtropical ecosystems. Key Biscayne, Coral Gables with Venetian Pool, and Coconut Grove complement the metropolitan area. Additional facilities include Miami Seaquarium, Zoo Miami, Jungle Island, and Miami Children's Museum. Historic sites such as Freedom Tower, Barnacle Historic State Park, and Ancient Spanish Monastery document different eras. Bayside Marketplace serves as a shopping and entertainment center, while Coral Castle and Stiltsville represent architectural curiosities.
Florida combines multiple facets: Orlando's amusement parks, the protected wetlands of the Everglades, Miami's beaches, and the Keys archipelago. This route passes through national parks, historic sites, coastal lighthouses, and botanical gardens. Visitors explore diverse ecosystems including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and natural springs. It includes natural reserves such as the J.N. Darling Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, home to over 245 bird species across 2,800 hectares, or the Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter, where waves spray seawater up to 15 meters high. Garden enthusiasts discover Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales with its 60-meter tower and 60-bell carillon, or the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach showcasing Japanese garden art. Cayo Costa State Park offers 14 kilometers of untouched coastlines, while Manatee Park in Fort Myers allows observing these marine mammals from November to March in warm waters.
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