2. Castle Belvedere, Central Park

This may be the most well-known castle in New York City and unlike many others, actually has “castle” in its name. Castle Belvedere is located in Central Park between the Great Lawn and the Ramble. It was built in 1869 out of Manhattan schist, designed by Central Park architects Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvert Vaux. The National Weather Service measures the official temperature in Central Park off the tower, which is the highest point in the park. Belvedere Castle’s pristine condition today belies a long history of abandonment and disrepair, documented in these photos from the 1980s.

For another castle-like structure in Central Park, don’t miss the Arsenal, and join us for our upcoming tour of the Secrets of Central Park:

Secrets of Central Park Walking Tour