There are many reasons why you would know about Coral Castle even if you’ve never visited. Not only has it served as the inspiration for Billy Idol’s “Sweet Sixteen” and made appearances in films like Wild Women of Wongo and Nude on the Moon, it’s also one of the most baffling architectural marvels in the country.
The open-air landmark is constructed of 1,100 short tons of solid oolitic limestone by a single person, including a sundial, heart-shaped table, Polaris telescope and rocking chairs.
That’s really the decades-old mystery of Coral Castle, which is often referred to as Florida’s own Stonehenge. How could a 120-pound man manage to build the entire site by hand, in complete secrecy and without the use of modern heavy machinery?
The history of Coral Castle
The structures are the work of Edward Leedskalnin, a 26-year-old Latvian immigrant who arrived in Florida after being left at the altar by his 16-year-old fiancée, Agnes Scuffs, whom he called his “Sweet Sixteen.”
Driven by heartbreak, he spent 28 years between 1923 and 1951 building a monument to his lost love out of the coral rock. He worked entirely alone and under the cover of darkness to avoid prying eyes, excavating, carving and moving the massive blocks.
Instead of heavy machinery, he was said to use basic hand tools, timber and a makeshift pulley system he constructed from old telephone poles and salvaged junkyard parts. Even more perplexingly, he moved his entire creation 10 miles north to its current location in Homestead.
The ongoing mystery
To this day, no one knows exactly how Leedskalnin moved the stone. Some individual blocks weigh up to 30 tons, which is heavier than the stones used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza. When asked how he managed such a feat, he would claim that he had “discovered the secrets of the builders of the pyramids.”
Rumors have swirled for decades involving everything from reverse magnetism to supernatural abilities, but the truth remains locked away with Leedskalnin, who passed away in 1951. His most famous creation, a 9-ton revolving gate, was balanced so perfectly that it could be pushed open with the touch of a single finger.
Visiting this Miami gem
Today, Coral Castle is open to the public and serves as one of South Florida’s most unique attractions. It offers an incredible afternoon trip for those looking to dive into some local history.
The site is open daily, and visitors can take guided tours to hear the full story and marvel at the colossal carvings up close.
Visit their website here.
