Are you one of those people who likes to walk through history, basking in the charm of the old world and breathing in the grandeur of a place? Are you excited and intrigued by stories of bravery, chivalry, mystery, and romance? For those of you who love to take a walk back in time you have to head straight towards Casa Loma, which means “House on the Hill”.

Casa Loma is Toronto’s grandest and most remarkable landmark, which attracts not only visitors, but also doubles up as a venue for special occasions and weddings around the year. It has also been a set for famous movies like Chicago and X-Men.

The dream of Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a Toronto financier and industrialist, Casa Loma is spread over 5 acres. Building it involved an expenditure of over $3,500,000, the labor of 300 men, who finished the work in 3 years, under the supervision of famed architect E. J. Lennox. Unfortunately, Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, the man who envisioned such beauty and grandeur as a residence, was unable to stay on for more than ten years here. He had to file for bankruptcy and give up possession of his house.

This beautiful castle has it all - decorated suites, stately towers and battlements, an underground tunnel that’s over 800 foot long, secret passageways, luxurious stables, sweeping terraces, and beautiful estate gardens.

When you enter the Great hall, you are spell bound by the high ceiling (almost 60 feet). The Great hall also contains the largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in Canada. As you move on to the first floor, you see the Conservatory that has been laid with Italian marble. Other rooms on this floor are the Library, the Billiards and Smoking room, and Sir Henry’s study. The second floor gives you the feeling of being in a modern apartment as all the rooms are designed to be contemporary and functional. They even have bidet and bathtubs. The Norman and Scottish towers on the third floor provide a spectacular view of the entire city. The gardens of the Casa Loma are a sight to behold replete with flowering blossoms, statues, and fountains.

If you are driving to Casa Loma, you need to take Eglington to Spadina. When you reach Spadina, turn south, continuing straight until you reach the castle. For those who are traveling by TTC, get off at Dupont Station. From there, you walk two blocks north on the Spadina Ave. You can easily spot the castle on the hill. Casa Loma remains open from 9.30 to 5.00 pm everyday, all days of the week. However, nobody is allowed to enter the castle after 4.00 pm. There are self guided audio tours in eight languages for the visitors, which come inclusive with the admission.