7 Captivating Castles You Won’t Believe Are Near Philadelphia
By Kim Magaraci|Published February 17, 2018
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Oh, how nice it would be to take a vacation to the Irish, Scottish, or French countryside and see the impressive castles that dot the landscape! Although, really, you don’t have to travel that far to see some impressive architecture. There castles near Philadelphia are all close enough together that you could visit them in one day. Good thing the Main Liners of the past loved to build extravagant mansions!
Grey Towers Castle is located on the campus of Arcadia University. Lucky students get to live here (yes, there really are dorms!), learn here, and attend events in the enormous and gorgeous ballrooms.
Cairnwood is one of three adjacent castles in Bryn Athyn. It is a 28-room L-shaped estate with a cathedral, stable, and garden house. It's considered a French country estate home in the Beaux Arts style. It is now a venue for weddings and events - so yes, you can get married in one of these castles near Philadelphia.
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3. M. Carey Thomas Library/College Hall, Bryn Mawr
This enormous building was named after Bryn Mawr College's first Dean. It was the college's main library until the Mariam Coffin Canaday Library opened in 1970. Since then, it has been used as a performing arts space, a public gathering spot, and a location for lectures.
Fonthill was the home of Dr. Henry C. Mercer, and he designed it himself. It can't be placed into any architectural style, as Mercer sketched up the rooms and then demanded the exterior be built to suit his plan. Fonthill is now a museum honoring Mercer and his life.
Bryn Athyn Cathedral is the second of three adjacent castles. It is the episcopal seat of The General Church of the New Jerusalem, which is a denomination of Swedenborgianism. The castle was modeled after Gloucester Cathedral in England and has become a stunning landmark along the Main Line.
Woodmont is a beautiful Montgomery County mansion that's famous for being the home to members of International Peace Mission Movement. The IPMM is a controversial church that once owned the Divine Lorraine Hotel.
Glencairn is the third of the Bryn Athyn castles near Philadelphia, and it is presently a museum. It was home to the influential Pitcairn family for 40 years before being dedicated as a place to learn about religious art and history.
Have you visited any of these impressive castles near Philadelphia? Tell us about it in the comments!
