Solomon's Castle – Ona, Florida - Atlas Obscura

Solomon's Castle

Ona, Florida

Florida castle built with aluminum printing plates. 

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Standing in a central Florida swamp, shining in the sun, is a hand-built medieval castle complete with a moat.

The sculptor Howard Solomon started building the castle in 1974 out of aluminum printing plates thrown out by the local newspaper. Years later, the ever-evolving, gleaming three-story-high castle covers 12,000 sq. feet, including the courtyard filled with sculptures made from discarded automotive parts and a 60-foot replica of a 16th century Portuguese galleon that serves as the Moat restaurant.

While the structure itself captures the imagination of the child at heart, it is the pun-filled tour led by Solomon himself that is truly worth the time.

Solomon is currently trying to sell the castle with a listing price of $2.5 million.

Know Before You Go

Solomon's Castle is in Ona, Florida. To find the castle go north on I-75, then take Hwy. 64 east 29 miles to Hwy. 665. From there go south nine miles and turn left at the sign to the castle. Call 863-494-6007 if you get lost.

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