Explore Philadelphia History at Fonthill Castle

Located in Doylestown, Pa., Fonthill Castle is a historic estate dating back to the early 20th century. Somewhat of a hidden gem, it can easily be overlooked when traveling, especially when many travelers visit Philadelphia without branching out to the nearby historic areas. Fonthill Castle; however, is an attraction that will intrigue both historians and architecture buffs alike.

Henry Chapman Mercer, a wealthy craftsman, artist and scholar, completed Fonthill Castle in 1910 at a time when architecture was just starting to include modern conveniences such as electricity and indoor plumbing. Mercer’s home took these architectural achievements a step further with the addition of an early elevator and even a household intercom system. These modern marvels are not what make Fonthill Castle unique, however.

Comprised of 44 rooms constructed largely from concrete, the estate is a winding labyrinth of staircases, doorways, narrow passages, tiny rooms and terraces. Laid into the walls and ceilings are a myriad of artistic tiles created by Mercer and his Moravian Pottery and Tile Works, depicting everything from local rural life and mythology to historic events and Biblical stories. Ancient artifacts compiled over Mercer’s life travels also adorn the walls, including Mesopotamian tablets and pottery.

The home has been remarkably preserved since Mercer’s death, with much of his belongings still in place, including furnishings, linens and a large amount of books. Fonthill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and knowledgeable guides offer tours every day of the week.