Panorama showing Belvedere Castle in Central Park, New York. Virtual tour taken in spring of 2008.

Belvedere Castle in Central Park - New York visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Belvedere Castle in Central Park' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from New York.

Belvedere Castle sits on top of Vista Rock, the second highest point of Central Park in New York and provides panoramic views over the park. The Belvedere is a Victorian-style 'Folley', designed in 1865 by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey. Directly below the park is Turtle Pond, and the view from here covers the Delacorte Theatre and the Great Lawn.

Within Belvedere Castle is a weather station, whose readings are regularly used in local weather broadcasts, and the the Henry Luce Nature Observatory. The nature observatory contains various natural exhibits, telescopes and microscopes set up to show the young a bit about the workings of Natural history investigative methods.

This aside, Belvedere Castle is a favorite point with tourists and, when there are not too many people about (not often), can have a romantic feel about it.

Subway 81st Street (West side - A, B, C, D lines ), 77th Street (East side - 4, 5, 6 lines)