This Road Trip To The Most Majestic Castles Around Pittsburgh Is Like Something From A Fairytale
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Feel as though you’ve walked straight into a fairy tale when your eyes fall upon the best castles in Pittsburgh – majestic buildings that now serve as spas, libraries, and even museums. So, who’s ready for an old-fashioned road trip around the Burgh and a bit beyond to discover Pittsburgh’s magical castles? Let’s go!
Click here to customize the directions for your fairy tale road trip.
The itinerary that follows doesn't include all of the area's castles for time-saving purposes. However, you may want to adjust the road trip to add other stops or to remove stops. The road trip, as it is now, covers 136 miles in just a little over three hours, not taking into account the time necessary to stop and to visit each castle.
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Pamper yourself like a princess or prince when you make your first stop in Sharon at Buhl Castle, a luxurious guesthouse and spa that will help you prepare for the rest of your journey. An award winning spot, guests stop for spa treatments or for a relaxing getaway. The castle also hosts weddings and other special events.
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Generations of Pittsburghers have chosen Allegheny Cemetery as their final resting place. The cemetery, which spans over 300 acres, is also home to the Butler Street Gatehouse. Allegheny Cemetery, as well as the gatehouse, were first built in 1845. By 1973, the picturesque castle had earned recognition when it was added to the National Historic Landmark Register.
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Well-known for its stunning architecture, the Braddock Carnegie Library has quite a story to tell. Andrew Carnegie opened the library's doors for the first time in 1889. Although a beloved community institution, the library began to suffer from neglect, leading to the shutting of its doors in 1974. However, with the support of the community, the majestic castle, which has since starred in several Hollywood productions, again opened in 1983. Snap photos of the exterior of the castle before exploring the inside.
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Just three miles down the road sits another castle that looks as though it has jumped straight from the pages of a fairy tale. The Carnegie Library of Homestead, like the Braddock Carnegie Library, boasts a rich past dating back to the latter part of the 19th century. A National Historic Landmark, the library promises an enriching experience for visitors with over 35,000 books, a spectacular music hall, and an athletic club that's open to the public.
Wilmerding's Westinghouse Castle is going through a transformation. The grand building housed Westinghouse Air Brake Company's main offices until the 1980s when it was abandoned. Built in the 1890s, the Westinghouse Castle sat empty until recently when it sold for $100,000 at a Sheriff's Sale. Soon, the public may again be able to see the castle in all of its former glory. Word has it that the new owners are planning to turn the castle into a hotel.
Our magical journey to Pittsburgh's best castles ends at Nemacolin Castle, which many also call Bowman's Castle. A true castle in every sense of the word, Nemacolin Castle was built in the 1790s by the Bowman family. The Bowmans, the lone occupants of the castle during its long history, transitioned to a museum when the last member of the Bowman family died. Join a tour through the museum, which is said to be ripe with paranormal activity.
After embarking on this majestic road trip to the best castles in Pittsburgh, you might want to visit these 10 spots in Pittsburgh that are straight out of a fairy tale.
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Featured Addresses
136 Front Street, Brownsville, PA 15417
419 Library Street, Braddock, PA 15104
510 East 10th Avenue, Munhall, PA 15120
4734 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
422 East State Street, Sharon, PA 16146