To mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and in alignment with recommendations from public health officials, Belvedere Castle is closed. See a complete list of affected programming and learn more on our alerts page.

Envisioned by Central Park co-designer Calvert Vaux in 1869, this miniature castle sits atop Vista Rock and looks out over the Great Lawn to the north and the Ramble to the south. Visitors take in sweeping views of the Park and its surrounding cityscape. Belvedere also houses one of the Park’s visitor centers and gift shop.

Fittingly, “belvedere” translates to “beautiful view” in Italian; originally built without doors or windows, Belvedere Castle was intended to be a viewing platform. While the outdoor pavilion is a popular lookout, the best views are found two stories up at the top of a winding staircase in the Castle.

Since 1919, the National Weather Service has also collected meteorological data—like temperature, wind, and rainfall—from the Castle.

Belvedere Audio Guide