Bishop Castle in Colorado – photo, description, map
Imagine a castle made of rough stone, towering against the backdrop of mighty fir trees. Wrought iron bridges and balconies line the tall towers. The head of a dragon that hangs rapaciously over the main entrance, flames bursting from its mouth. This is not a set for The Lord of the Rings, but Bishop's castle – an extraordinary creation created by the hands of one person.
One of the most picturesque states in America, Colorado is known not only for its amazing national parks. Every year, many tourists come here, lured by such an unusual landscape of the state: on the one hand, there are the Rocky Mountains, on the other, the famous Great Plains, the extraordinary Colorado Plateau with its famous canyons and semi-deserts.
But besides all this, it is also home to one of the most famous castles on the planet. And it's not about its inhabitants – the inhabitants of this wonderful place are not royal persons. Bishop's castle is an amazing creation that appeared thanks to the perseverance and solidity of its owner. No wonder this unique architectural structure is called a “monument to diligence.”
From the history of occurrence
It is known that most of the architectural monuments have a long history of construction. Hundreds and thousands of people built famous buildings for the nobility and to decorate their city. It is all the more incredible that Bishop's castle is the creation of one person.
While still a teenager, Jim Bishop bought a piece of land in the mountains with almost the last money. After some time, he began building his house. Since the Bishop family did not have more funds, the young man began to use natural stones in the construction of the foundation, which he collected near the mountains surrounding the site. Surprisingly, it was this practical solution that determined the whole appearance of the future family nest.
Seeing Bishop's efforts, many people who had to watch the process of building a house told the young man that thanks to his work, not another pretty house came out, but a strange medieval structure. Not only was the young American not upset by this, but from then on he decided to actually build a real castle.
Having neither a special education nor even any architectural knowledge, Bishop not only was not afraid to create a dwelling for himself, but also began to build it without a single plan and drawing. All forms of the future castle, layout and design were only in the head of the master, and then they were already brought to life by his skillful hands. Of course, such a bold decision entailed a number of mistakes that slowed down, and sometimes completely stopped construction, however, Bishop painstakingly worked on the mistakes and eventually was able to build a castle for himself and his family.
Today Jim Bishop is a man in his old age. However, this does not prevent him from further implementing his plans for the place of his dreams. For example, soon he plans to create a moat around the castle, and make a swing bridge for the passage. This, according to the master, will finally complete his idea.
Nevertheless, even today Bishop's castle is equipped with everything that is included in our ideas about medieval castles. There are soaring towers, bridges and balconies, which are made of wrought iron and interconnected, colored stained-glass windows, a chapel and even a bell tower. The most unusual decoration of the castle is a fire-breathing dragon, which is located directly above the main entrance. It is fire-breathing in the truest sense of the word, because. several times a day, flames burst from its mouth. The dragon's nostrils serve as a special hole for the chimney, and therefore clouds of smoke constantly fly out of them. Why not a decoration for a fairy tale?
Unusual facts about Bishop's castle
Tower of Eternal Memory. Many do not believe that Bishop built this unique building of stone and iron alone. Nevertheless, this is true. The master refused the help of his loved ones after the accident. During the construction of the castle, his son died, who just recently turned 4 years old. Since then, one of the towers of the castle has been named after the boy. After that, Bishop decided that he could not endanger his family. The exception is the farthest corner of the yard, which was created thanks to the help of Jim's father.
Monument to the fight against bureaucrats. Already after Bishop's castle was erected, the local authorities grabbed their heads in horror: how did it happen that instead of a small and nondescript house, Bishop built such a stone giant that attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world? And today the authorities are trying to challenge the legitimacy of the grounds on which the miracle builder received his site. However, Bishop does not pay attention to this, and while his wife, along with a professional lawyer, deal with bureaucrats, he continues to build and realize his dreams.
The Book of Consent. Bishop gladly invites tourists to his place. With even greater pleasure, he himself conducts excursions to all corners of the castle. That's just because professionals did not take part in the construction, all insurance companies unanimously refused to cooperate with Bishop and those who are attracted to his family nest. Therefore, before entering the castle, each tourist is invited to sign a book that he has no claims if any accident occurs, because Bishop's castle is still a construction site.
Bishop's Castle in numbers
Jim Bishop was 15 years old when he decided to make his dream of building his own castle come true.
More than 1000 tons of mountain stones Bishop needed to create the nest of his dreams.
2 meters is the length of the flame that flies out of the dragon's mouth. However, the master plans to increase the distance of fire to 9 meters.
50 meters is the length of the highest tower of the castle.
Free entry to Bishop's castle to date. At the same time, the creator himself conducts interesting excursions. In case this place makes the same impression on you, then you will be grateful for donations.
There is no limit for true romantics. Being on the openwork staircase made of wrought iron or catching the reflection of the setting sun in the stained glass windows of this extraordinary structure, you will never again doubt your abilities. After all, a person's desire is only the first step towards the realization of his dream, no matter how crazy it is. And it is Bishop's castle that is clear evidence of this.
Another interesting place in the USA is Carlsbad Caverns.