Manitou Springs, Colorado
Manitou Springs is a home rule municipality located at the foot of Pikes Peak in western El Paso County, Colorado, United States. The town was founded for its natural mineral springs. The downtown area continues to be of interest to travelers, ...
. The Castle was originally built in 1895 as a private home for Father Jean Baptist Francolon, a French-born Catholic priest. Located in the
Manitou Springs Historic District
Manitou Springs Historic District in Manitou Springs, Colorado is roughly bounded by US 24, Ruxton Avenue, El Paso Boulevard and Iron Mountain Avenue. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places,National Register of Historic Places listing.
History
Father Jean Baptiste Francolon built Miramont Castle in 1895. The house is "an eclectic estate that blends a variety of architectural styles from Byzantine to Tudor." Construction was completed in 1896."Holiday house tour starts ominously, ends on a happy note" ''The Gazette.'' Nl.newsbank.com (December 15, 1991). Retrieved on May 5, 2013. The castle is an architectural example of the Victorian Era. In 1976 Miramont Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its significant historic heritage and architectural variety.
Sisters of Mercy operated Montcalm Sanitarium at Miramont, sharing the property with Francolon.
Popular folklore has it that the castle is haunted with various apparitions and unexplained phenomenon as reported by visitors and staff.Colorado’s Haunted Architecture – Miramont Castle Thecoloradoarchitect.com. Retrieved on May 5, 2013.
Current
The house is now a Victorian-era historic house museum that is owned and operated by the Manitou Springs Historical Society. Visitors can tour 42 furnished rooms and gardens. The site also features a tea room and gift shop.