California’s “medieval” castle between La and San Francisco is like a European fairy tale atmosphere by the sea

When thinking of a palace, one continent comes to mind: Europe. From Many castles in Englandwhich is one of the oldest in the world, to the beautiful palaces of France, every country on the continent has many ancient châteaux worth visiting.

However, the US also has its own castle, which attracts many visitors every year (and no, not the castle at Disney World). Half -time between La and San Francisco, Hearst Castle is the perfect way to see a glimpse of Europe without crossing the planet.

Here is everything you need to know about this amazing European fairy place, from its history to what you find there and practical information on how to visit.

Hearst Castle is like a European fairy tale atmosphere by the sea

Located in the San Simeon community, Hearst Castle Having everything you can expect from the ancient European palace: many rooms filled with works of art and fine furniture, a large garden where you can wander on a hot summer day, and a wide library where thousands of books are stored.

Although the palace may not be a strong king’s residence and charming prince, it hosts famous celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and Greta Garbo and well -known politicians, including Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The Hearst Castle consists of a main house called Casa Grande (Big House), extending more than 70,000 square feet, several guesthouses, two swimming pools, beautiful parks, and wine cellar with wine and spacious choice. The building combines several architectural styles, including Spain’s colonial, Moor, Mediterranean rise, and Gothic architecture, making it unique in the genre. This is one of the Many Gothic castles you can visit on the East Coast.

Visitors can admire more than 25,000 works of art and antiques here, including art deco pieces and European paintings and statues. They can also admire many palace fireplace, good Flemish carpet, and carved wooden ceilings.

History of the Hearst Palace

History Hearst Castle began in 1865 when George Hearst bought 40,000 acres of land. A few decades later, in 1919, his son William Randolph Hearst, a newspaper publisher, inherited the area. He soon decided to expand it by buying an additional 210,000 acres, making the area to 250,000.

Initially, these lands were only used by their family as a campsite. However, William Randolph Hearst has a great ambition. In 1919, he wrote to Julia Morgan, a famous architect in San Francisco, stated:

Miss Morgan, we are tired of camping in the fields in San Simeon and I want to build something small.

That’s how it all started. After decades of work, the huge project was finally terminated in 1947. The property includes 165 rooms, 127 acres of park, and other unique sites that can still be visited today.

The best room to visit at Hearst Castle

There are many rooms to visit in the palace. However, some are very interesting. In particular, visitors cannot release the main library. Although this may not be one of the The best library in the worldWith his hand curves and more than 4,000 books, this must be viewed for all book worms.

Other rooms to visit include a Doge Suite, whose style was inspired by the Doge Palace in Venice, The Gothic Suite, where Hearst and her mistress, actor Marion Davies, spent many nights together, Celestial Suite, and refectory, a dining hall built in Spanish Gothic style.

If you go there, make sure you also visit the parks. Here, you will have access to the views of the panoramic sea and the Neptune Pool, inspired by the ancient Roman culture. Mr Hearst is very interested in the pool, as he wants his children to play in it. In a letter to Julia Morgan, she wrote:

I resubmit the temple park plan with the suggestion that we make a pool longer than that, as long as the pool. Mrs. Hearst and the kids really want to have a pool!

In addition to swimming pools, the parks are home to several terraces and a variety of flowers, including different rose species.

Don’t miss the Roman pool, the inner pool is decorated with eight statues of God -God and Roman Goddess.

How to visit Hearst Castle

The nearest airport to the palace is San Luis County’s San Luis County region; However, flying here may be a bit expensive. Both LA and San Francisco are about an hour’s journey from this site.

The palace has a visitor center featuring restaurants and “Hearst Castle Theater,” where you can watch documentaries to better understand the history of this site.

There are several visits available depending on which area you want to visit. Many options are available, from the Cottages & Kitchen Tour to the Grand Rooms Tour and Art under the moonlight. Children under five can enter for free, and the palace is open almost daily except for some holidays.

With Many castles across EuropeThe continent is still the best for the ancient palace to visit. However, the The US is also home to some palaces. Hearst Castle is definitely a good choice to get European taste without traveling too far.