Belvedere Castle

Perched upon Vista Rock, in the center of Central Park, is a medieval castle. Designed by the park’s architect, Calvert Vaux, and its chief sculptor, Jacob Wrey Mould, in 1865 the castle is a Victorian “folly” or fantasy building. As the Latin roots of its name imply, Belvedere offers a beautiful view of the surrounding park, including the Great Lawn (former site of the reservoir), Turtle Pond, and the Delacorte Theater.

From 10am to 5pm daily (except Mondays), the castle is open to visitors. Inside, you can see various naturalist displays about the park and, if you go up the winding staircase, you can even see the outline of the door in the ceiling through which Jack, Cora, and Euri find the ghost of Egbert Viele.