Castles in Pennsylvania
From a grand library to a Civil War outpost, these Pennsylvania castles are grand and historic—perfect for a mid-Atlantic road trip.
Written by Bee Davis
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Carnegie Library
- Castle at Little Roundtop
- Glencairn Museum
- Fonthill Castle and Mercer Museum
- Buhl Mansion
- Stokesay Castle
- How to get the best car insurance in Pennsylvania
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If you’re looking to spice up your next road trip, consider stopping by one of these stunning historical castles, built anywhere from the mid-19th to 20th centuries. From grand libraries to stately museums and decadent accommodations, Pennsylvania offers exquisite and educational opportunities to visit and stay in the castle of your dreams.
Pennsylvania
is known for its history, but generally, castles are not top of mind. However, there are several majestic castles in the state of Pennsylvania you can visit and even stay in! Here to give you a tour of the most marvelous castles in Pennsylvania is
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Carnegie Library
Address: 419 Library Street, Braddock, PA
Built: 1889
What’s the story of the Carnegie Library in Braddock?
Built in 1889, the Carnegie Library is a stunning testament to Pennsylvania's history. The
Braddock
Carnegie library was the first library built by Andrew Carnegie, the Pittsburgh
native and steel mogul, in the late 19th century. It was one of 2,509 libraries built he established over his lifetime. Weathering the challenges of population loss, industrial decline, and neglect of public institutions, the Carnegie Library in Braddock was almost demolished in 1974. But due to the tireless efforts of conservationists, the library continues to serve the community of Braddock.
Today, the library is on the National Register of Historic Places. Its medieval architecture hosts recreational facilities, a bath house, music classes, and other community events.
How to visit the Carnegie Library
You can visit the Carnegie Library castle six days a week. They offer art classes, tours, and other community programming opportunities for you to explore on your visit. To view their regular hours, visit the
Carnegie Library website
. Castle at Little Roundtop
Location: South end of the summit of Little Round Top
Built: 1893
If you’re interested in Civil War history, you can’t miss this monument overlooking the battlefield of
Gettysburg
. The small castle structure was built in 1883 to honor the 12th and 44th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiments who fought in the historic battle. The castle stands at 44 feet high and 12 feet long, measurements that honor the infantry companies it commemorates. Inside, you can climb a spiral staircase to the observation deck where you can view the battlefield.
How to visit the Castle on Little Roundtop
You can see the Castle on Little Roundtop by visiting Gettysburg National Military Park. The castle is on the south summit of Little Roundtop, just a short, scenic hike away from the Round Top Campground. For more information, you can visit the
park’s website
. Glencairn Museum
Address: Bryn Athyn, PA
Built: finished 1938
Originally the home of the Pitcairn family, this stunning castle now serves as a museum of religious history and art. It houses over 10,000 historical objects, including ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Medieval Christian, and Islamic artifacts.
Glencairn Castle was built between 1928 and 1938 by Mildred and Raymond Pitcairn, based on medieval and romanesque architecture. Stop by for a fun and educational tour of the castle and its museum!
How to visit the Glencairn Museum
If you’re interested in religious history, the Glencairn Castle offers more than just a stunning view with guided tours Tuesday through Sunday. For more details, visit the
museum's website
.Fonthill Castle and Mercer Museum
Built: 1912
In 1912, Henry Chapman Mercer’s castle was completed, rising as an exquisite mix of Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine styles. An avid ceramicist, anthropologist, and antiquarian, Mercer wanted the mansion to be a showcase for his collection of tiles and prints, and it serves that purpose still.
Today, the museum offers a full range of programs for visitors and scholars related to Mercer and his work. In accordance with his wishes, the building continues to be preserved in stunning condition by its caretakers and attracts 30,000 visitors a year.
How to visit Fonthill Castle
Visit this gorgeous castle with its ornate, hand-crafted interior! From Fonthill, you can also visit the Movarian Pottery and Tile Works Museum on the same grounds, or take a stroll through the nearby Veterans Memorial Park. You can buy tickets and plan your visit at the
Mercer Museum website
. MORE:
Road trip essentials
Buhl Mansion
Address: 422 E. State Street, Sharon, PA
Built: 1896
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just want to live out your fairytale dreams, you can stay in the beautiful Buhl Mansion Guest House and Day Spa. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this castle offers luxurious accommodations for travelers, including spa treatments!
When
Sharon
steel magnate Frank A. Buhl married the beautiful Julia Forker in 1888, he promised his mother he would build his new bride a castle. 8 years later, it was completed, with multiple towers, a ballroom, a garden and greenhouse, and a gorgeous medieval aesthetic that will take your breath away. How to visit the Buhl Mansion and Day Spa
The Buhl Mansion now offers lodging, day spa services, and hosts events. Located in the heart of Sharon, you can visit nearby shops and restaurants in between spa treatments. If you want to be pampered in style, you can plan your stay at the
Buhl Mansion website
. Stokesay Castle
Built: 1931
Inspired by the 13th-century English castle of the same name, Mr. Hiester spared no expense in duplicating the grandeur of the castle’s namesake. The hand carved beams and leaded windows were made to capture the original as closely as possible.
It was built in 1931 by the Hiester Family, and now Stokesay Castle is the perfect location for a fairytale wedding. The ballroom, stone arches, and fountains promise the perfect atmosphere for a romantic and unforgettable wedding ceremony.
How to visit Stokesay Castle
If you’re looking to plan an unforgettable wedding, birthday party, or any kind of celebration that requires a majestic atmosphere, you can book the castle or plan a tour at the
Stokesay Castle website
. How to get the best car insurance in Pennsylvania
If you’re an avid road-tripper,
car insurance
is important to you. No matter what kind of insurance you’re looking for in Pennsylvania, Jerry
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