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A Medieval Castle In Florida???

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with FOR BUYERS ONLY REALTY BK3137149

If you have ever driven north of St. Augustine and Vilano Beach  along the Coastal Highway A1A you have probably seen and wondered about the medieval Castle that is seen from just off of the road.  What in the world is a medieval castle doing by the ocean in Florida?  What is its history???

Castle Otttis- as it is called- was created as an original "landscape-sculpture" built to adorn the landscape. This castle was inspired by Irish medieval castles. The interior was created under the guidance of historians from the local Catholic Diocese of Northeast Florida to replicate the atmosphere and feel of an Irish Medieval Abbey.

The castle was begun in 1984 and was the exterior was mostly completed by 1988. The materials used in the exterior are concrete block and poured concrete, and steel reinforcement rods. All of the masonry work was done by two individuals working together without the aid of laborers, helpers, elevation drawings, or models... "The building was simply allowed to exert its own insistent will."  It is over 50 feet in height, and the weight of the building is conservatively estimated at more than 5 million pounds. The building was never intended to be a residence, a commercial building, or a tourist attraction. It was created purely as an expression of art.

The interior took an additional 3 years to complete (1988-1991). It was created by a third individual (a woodworker). It is primarily cypress wood and some old southern heart-pine. The interior has eight different examples of staircases in addition to an altar, a pulpit, a Bishop's chair, a choir loft, benches or pews; and incorporates spiritual and historic related symbolism throughout. There is no glass in any of the 88 window openings, therefore the interior is open to the elements.

The Castle is made available by appointment to schools, churches, colleges, universities, institutions, and community groups for academic and spiritual settings, and has provided a unique environment for small, intimate wedding ceremonies. The Castle is also made available for an interdenominational Christian worship service each Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon (weather permitting). At the conclusion of the service the Castle can be viewed from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. It is not necessary to attend the service to view the building.

So if you are ever in St. Augustine- be sure to check out our local "Castle By The Sea"!

For all your real estate needs and to learn about my 1% Buyer Rebates, visit my website at http://www.myfloridahome.ws/ or call me at 904-687-5220.

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for buyers only realty of st augustine

Sharon Stevens      Dwight Cole
904-687-5220           904-466-4630
 
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Comments (1)

Anonymous
BOB RANSTAD

I LIVED IN JAX BEACH FOR MANY YEARS,AND HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO SE THE CASTLE CLOSEUP, I'VE SPENT ALOT OF TIME IN ST.AUGUSTINE,AND HAVE ENJOYED SEEING THE CASTLE IN MY WINDSHIELD UPON ARRINING IN VILANO BEACH,IT REALLY IS SOMETHING TO BEHOLD.

Jul 30, 2008 01:30 AM
#1