Casa Loma is Toronto’s most prominent historic residence, bringing European elegance & high end living all under one roof. Though it is not as glamorous as many European castles, Casa Loma is still quite impressive and is considered Toronto’s prime estate. At Casa Loma, there are 98 rooms, 21 fireplaces, bronze doors, secret passageways and towers. This 98-room Castle features unique architecture and beautifully decorated suites, high ceilings, rich wood carvings and marble. Casa Loma is complete with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful 5-acre estate gardens.
History of Casa Loma
Casa Loma, meaning “House on the Hill” was built between the years 1911 and 1914 and it took 300 men and approximately $3.5 million to complete. It is the former estate of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt who was a Toronto entrepreneur and a romantic. He commissioned E.J. Lennox to design a ‘medieval’ castle on a hill looking across to Toronto and it took almost three years for the castle to be built. Upon completion in 1914, at 98 rooms, it was the largest private residence in Canada. Notable amenities included an elevator, an oven large enough to cook a steer, two vertical passages for pipe organs, two secret passages in Sir Henry’s ground-floor office and three bowling alleys. Casa Loma Sir Henry and his wife, Lady Mary, didn’t have long to enjoy the castle before the financial depression hit in the late 1920 with which enforced them to leave their home and this was passed on in the care of City of Toronto and Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma since 1937.
Design of Casa Loma
Casa Loma is one of Canada’s only castles. It was built in the early 1900s by Sir Henry Pallett as a gift for his wife. The castle has 3 floors and features watch towers and gardens. The former 98 room home of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Canada’s foremost castle is complete with decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful 5-acre estate gardens. There are 5-acre state gardens, an 800 foot tunnel, stables, and many beautifully decorated rooms, a terrace, and gift shop. An eight language self-guided audio tour is included with admission to the castle.
Events at Casa Loma
Casa Loma hosts several events throughout the year. Some of the most popular events held at Casa Loma include the annual renaissance festival and the monthly Sunday royal brunches.
Highlights of Casa Loma
Highlights within Casa Loma include:
- The Great Hall: This is the main point of the castle. It features man carefully crafted sculptures.
- The Conservatory: The conservatory features Italian marble floor and Ontario marble for the side panels. In the winter, steam pipes keep the flowers healthy.
- Peacock Alley: This passageway was modeled after a passageway in Windsor Castle.
- Sir Henry’s Study: On either sides of the fireplace are secret doors.
- The Watch Tower: it provides a gorgeous view of Toronto. featuring a scenic view and spiral staircases that are hard to climb
Fun Facts about Casa Loma
Next to the CN Tower, this is the most famous attractions in Toronto and a must-see. Many movies and television programs have been filmed at Casa Loma. The movie X-men uses Casa Loma as the school for the ‘gifted’ children.
Images of Casa Loma
Casa Loma in Toronto (Casa Loma)
Casa Loma in Toronto (wikimedia)
Casa Loma in Toronto (unknown)
