The typical Saturday afternoon spent shopping can get a little boring, and you might be looking for something a little different to do on your weekends. In and around Toronto there are some really neat attractions for you to visit, and Casa Loma is one of them. This historic castle is located at 1 Austin Terrace in midtown Toronto. This is a really great way to spend some time learning about the history of a castle in the middle of a big city, so with the nicer weather it might be the best time to plan an afternoon here.
The History of the Castle
Built in 1914 by Sir Henry Pallet, the preservation of this castle is a perfect example of Toronto’s commitment to its roots and ensuring the history of the city is brought forward to the modern day. The building is currently owned by the City of Toronto and it welcomes over 350,000 visitors each and every year.
Sir Henry Pallet spent some time travelling to Europe, which gave him his love for art and architecture and it inspired his idea for Casa Loma. It initially took him 3 years and $3.5 million to build, and once it was finished Pallet filled the castle with priceless artwork he had collected from various places in Canada and around the world. Currently, Casa Loma still stands as one of the only true castles located in North America.
A Modern Landmark
In 2014, Liberty Entertainment Group took over the daily operations of this castle and began many upgrades to bring the building current. The renovations here were substantial, and included air conditioning, upgraded audio video equipment and a seasonal outdoor event space. The new operations management has ensured this historic landmark has been brought current while retaining its heritage feel, and tourists thoroughly enjoy visiting this attraction every day.
A Special Event Space
If you’re looking to host a special event, like a wedding, this is the perfect venue for your event. The catering and special events teams run by Liberty Entertainment Group are completely professional and will ensure your special day is perfect. A castle is the perfect backdrop for any special event, so why not book this venue for your big day? Every year the castle plays host to about 250 special events and private functions.
Beauty Inside and Out
While a tour inside the castle is a really great alternative to the typical afternoon spent shopping, you can also tour the outside during the warmer weather. The gardens of this castle are so well maintained that tourists also come from all over specifically to see these gardens. The history of the building, as one of the only castles in North America, makes this a unique attraction right within a modern metropolitan. The castle is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, so there’s plenty of time for you to drop by and visit, especially on the weekend. Its location is accessible and easy to get to, so make sure you visit this historic site right within your city.
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