Coral Castle, Homestead

Nestled in the city of Homestead, Florida, Coral Castle stands as a testament to the enigmatic power of love and determination, carved single-handedly by the Latvian-American Edward Leedskalnin. This unique oolitic limestone structure, often compared to the legendary Stonehenge, has been mystifying visitors since its opening to the public in the 1920s.

Coral Castle is an architectural marvel, featuring massive stones weighing several tons each, meticulously sculpted into walls, furniture, and even a sundial, all crafted with an astonishing precision that baffles engineers and scientists to this day. The most astonishing fact is that Edward Leedskalnin, a man of slight build and standing just over five feet tall, claimed to have constructed this wonder on his own, using only simple tools and a deep understanding of weight and leverage.

Visitors to Coral Castle can explore the stone garden, graced with a nine-ton gate that moves with a light touch, a Polaris telescope perfectly aligned with the North Star, and an accurately functioning rocking chair made entirely of stone. The site also includes living quarters, a well, and various sculptures, each telling a part of the story of Leedskalnin’s lost love, Agnes Scuffs, for whom he originally built this monument.

Coral Castle remains open to the public, offering guided tours that delve into the history and possible construction methods used by Leedskalnin. The guides also share tales of Leedskalnin's life and his secretive building process, which he carried out under the cover of night, leading to many legends about the castle's creation.