Visit these Hidden Castles in Almost Heaven

Hidden throughout West Virginia, castles can be found that will that take you back in time. Beautiful architecture, manicured grounds and stunning visuals accompany these castles for a unique experience. Though many of these castles are no longer open to the public, the views they provide from their exteriors are enough to leave you speechless.

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle was built by Colonel Samuel Taylor Suite between the years of 1885 and 1891, for the woman he was in love with. The castle was designed by architect A.B. Mullett, who was known for designing the San Francisco Mint, U.S. State Department Building, U.S. Treasury Building and New York Post Office. Each stone of the beautiful castle was hand cut from silica sandstone that was mined in the area. Today, the castle is no longer open to the public, but the exterior can still be viewed and makes a beautiful backdrop for any photo.

Good Counsel Friary

Hidden in Morgantown, sits a beautiful castle tucked away into the forest. Built in 1928, this castle was constructed by Thoney Pietro, an Italian immigrant, for his family. The castle includes 3,400 feet of masonry. Today, the castle is no longer open to the public, but it’s perfect for an afternoon road trip to explore something new and discover the scenic Mountaineer Region of the state.

Palace of Gold

Located in the Northern Panhandle of the state is New Vrindaban, a Hare Krishna community, as well as the stunning Palace of Gold. The Palace of Gold was built in 1968 and features beautiful marble, onyx and teak accents, 22 karat gold leaf, beautiful stained-glass work, mosaic floors and mirrored ceilings. Around the palace, beautiful gardens, fountains and a lily pond can be found. Visitors can take tours of the majestic palace seven days a week, and the palace also has places to dine and shop for a full day excursion.

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022