Скачать или смотреть Belvedere Castle in Central Park (Video+Audio Tour)

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Wondering why there’s a castle in Central Park? It’s a good question!
Originally designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould, Belvedere Castle was intended to be a Victorian Folly, a fantasy structure that provides a great backdrop and views, but without a real intended purpose. With its strong stone facade, grand turret and flag, the castle was merely a stunning attraction in Central Park.

This all changed in 1919 when the National Weather Service began taking measurements from the castle's tower with scientific instruments that determine wind speed and direction. Additionally, just south of the castle, other data such as the rainfall was recorded and sent to the weather service's forecast office at Brookhaven National Library on Long Island. Belvedere Castle is still used for this purpose today.

Over the decades, the castle suffered from deterioration and in 1983 the Central Park Conservancy renovated and reopened the structure, which now also serves as the Henry Luce Nature Observatory.

Since it’s opening in 1872, the Belvedere has held its place among New York’s architectural beauties, drawing visitors for both its historical value and its gorgeous views from the park’s second highest point. With a fitting name which means “beautiful view” in Italian, it’s no wonder Belvedere draws a million visitors every year.