Southern California might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of castles but in 1922, wealthy Riverside financier Charles Benedict commissioned a residential castle to be constructed on a hill overlooking the city. Inspired by the Alahambra Castle in Granada, Spain, the imposing 10,000-square-foot castle was completed in 1931. Benedict Castle now serves as headquarters for Teen Challenge of Southern California and also hosts weddings, banquets, an annual open house and other special events. Personal and group tours are available by appointment on some weekdays.
Benedict Castle, constructed of steel-reinforced concrete and adobe bricks baked in on-site kilns, is a mix of Spanish-Moorish and Mission Revival architecture. The structure includes a copper-domed tower that has 116 steps and an elevator; heavy wooden doors with hand-forged iron fixtures; stained-glass windows; and hardwood and tiled floors. The 19-room castle includes a vestibule with twin flanking stairways, a banquet hall, wine cellar, domed breakfast room with a 500-year-old tile floor from a Mexican monastery, a rooftop sun deck and even a secret passageway. Hollywood movie crews have used the castle for several films, including "Bride of Frankenstein."
Parts of the castle, its landscaped grounds and courtyard typically are open to guided public tours Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during daytime hours, although staff requests you call and make an appointment at least three days prior to your visit. Although there is no official fee, each person who tours is asked to make a nominal donation. Some tour companies also provide a Benedict Castle visit as part of a package that includes an on-site lunch.
One weekend each year, typically in late November or early December, Benedict Castle holds an open house with a nominal entrance fee per car. The castle and grounds are decorated for the holidays and visitors are greeted by a live nativity scene, Christmas carolers and music from the castle's 1930 Kilgen organ. Castle tours occur throughout the evening and other musical performances are held in the courtyard. Refreshments such as hot chocolate, cider and cookies are served. Christmas trees are sold as a fundraiser for the Teen Challenge of Southern California.
Those reserving the castle for a special event such as a wedding, reception or banquet have access to the castle's public areas, including the grounds, ballroom and courtyard. A private tour of the castle may be set up in advance of the event. The castle provides event setup and catering services with a variety of menus and can accommodate up to 180 guests inside or 225 seated guests in the courtyard.
