History, Architecture & Scenic Views
Why Belvedere Means "Beautiful View"
Belvedere Castle was designed by Calvert Vaux with architect Jacob Wrey Mould beginning in 1867 and was completed in 1872. Belvedere is an Italian word meaning "beautiful view." It was constructed atop Vista Rock, the second-highest natural point in Central Park. Built primarily from Manhattan schist, the same bedrock on which it stands, the castle is accented with white granite quarried in Massachusetts.
Belvedere Castle overlooking Turtle Pond in Central Park. Photo courtesy of
NYC Rickshaw Tours.
Panoramic Views from Belvedere Castle
The castle has two terraces that provide spectacular panoramic views of Central Park, the surrounding skyline, and many famous landmarks.
Belvedere Castle was intentionally aligned with The Mall as part of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux's original Greensward Plan for Central Park. From The Mall, visitors can often see the castle's American flag rising above the Ramble.
Belvedere Castle's Bronze Cockatrice
Nearby Attractions
Shakespeare Garden, Swedish Cottage, Delacorte Theater, Turtle Pond, The Great Lawn
Movies Filmed
The Smurfs, My Demon Lover, Stepmom, 2 Days in New York, Naked City, The Bostonians.
Location
Mid-Park at 79th Street
Summer: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Fall, Winter & Spring: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Herbert Mc.
Licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide & Pedicab Tour Operator at #CentralParkPedicabs
Experience Belvedere Castle and more of Central Park on a private Pedicab Tour. Book online to reserve your preferred departure time and enjoy a comfortable sightseeing experience.
References
- McKinley, Jesse. "F.Y.I." The New York Times (December 24, 1995).
- Theresa Bane. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. McFarland, 2016.
- Untapped Cities – 10 Secrets of Central Park's Belvedere Castle.
