Edward Leedskalnin designed and built the Coral Castle.

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The Stone PalaceEd Leedskalnin, a 5 foot tall, 100 pound Latvian native,created the unique phenomenon that Is Cora) Castle as atribute to a lost love. His carvings are symbolic of everything that mattered to him: Love, family, the State ofFlorida, astronomy and magnetism. With homemadepulleys and levers salvaged from automobile and railroadjunkyards, he built a coral masterpiece that is one of themost amazing attractions in the world. Opened to thepublic in 1920, the Coral Castle is considered Florida'soldest operating tourist attraction.Ed constructed Coral Castle out of Florida's native OoliticLimerock. He sculpted and carved over 1,100 tons of coralrock, with many of the pieces weighing over 30 tons. Themoving and lifting of such incredible amounts of coral,using only handmade tools, seems impossible. Baffledengineers and scientists have compared Ed's secretmethod of accomplishment to Stonehenge and the GreatPyramids. Publications ranging from Readers's Digest tothe National Enquirer have sent reporters to try and solvethe mystery of the "castle", but to no avail.Each individual piece of Coral Castle is magnificent in itsown way. The 9 ton gate that swings open with a touch ofa finger is extraordinary to see, and has commanded Intense media attention throughout the years. A 20 ton, 20foot tall Polaris telescope can be used to calculate theearth's path around the sun. The sun dial that Ed constructed accurately tells time and also indicates the solstice and equinox days. And as an ultimate act of devotionto the fiancee that had jilted him years ago, Ed built a5,000 pound heart that is listed in Ripley's Believe It OrMot as the world's largest valentine.In 1984, this inspiring vision of dedication, love and, perhaps a miracle or two was placed on the National Registerof Historical Places. The stone palace remains a puzzlingand fascinating monument. To Ed Leedskalnin, It was thehome he was dest ined never to share. To the rest of theworld. It remains a natural wonder whose secret we maynever share, but whose beauty will always be treasured.

T o w e r R o o m Ripley's "World's Largest Valentine" 9 Ton Gate