The very first time I read about this castle was in The Magic Tree House book series “Blizzard of the Blue Moon”. My daughter was sitting in her bed while I read her most favorite book. The author Mary Pope Osborne magically weaves her story while including facts or places in American History. I never dreamed at the time I’d actually get to see it!
Belvedere Castle was designed in the late 1800’s by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Belvedere means ‘beautiful view’ or ‘panoramic view’ in Italian.
This tower has the anemometer and wind vane on top to record official wind speed and direction in Central Park. While walking inside the castle, there are many signs depicting the local birds and instructions on how to view them in the wild.
The bedrock underlying much of Manhattan is a mica schist known as Manhattan schist. Belvedere Castle was built on the top of the rock, overlooking the Croton reservoir.
Mid-Central Park at 79th Street, New York City, NY
Wow! I use to read Magic Tree House books to Mari when she was little too! I never knew this was that castle. Your review is very educational!
Why thank you dear!