MIAMI, FL — There’s no actual proof that space aliens provided the technology. But extraterrestrial assistance is still a popular explanation for the odd artifacts and amazing feats of engineering at the Coral Castle, located just south of Miami in Homestead.
What makes the Coral Castle a Florida Traveler favorite is an oddball mix of engineering derring-do, romantic obsession, and just a little hint of creepiness. It was enough to inspire Billy Idol to produce the 1987 song and music video “Sweet Sixteeen.” (Scroll down to see the video.)
Here are 9 fascinating facts about the Coral Castle that make it a Florida Traveler favorite:

































Edward Leedskalnin, the diminutive consumptive architect of the castle, fled his native Latvia after he was jilted by his 16-year-old bride. He arrived in Florida in 1918 and soon afterward set upon a mad, lifelong quest to build a monument to his lost love. Here’s Billy Idol’s tribute to Ed’s lost love:
I love that song, I heard it first when I was 7 or 8 and it stayed with me I never knew who sang it til much later I discovered it was Billy Idol. Billy made 2 videos for this…one in black and white and the other in colour…the colour one is pretty creepy!