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Cano's Castle: A Gleaming Shrine of Recycled Dreams

Discover Colorado's extraordinary roadside attraction: a shimmering castle built from recycled materials, a testament to faith and creativity.

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Cano's Castle in Antonito, Colorado, is a unique roadside attraction built by Dominic "Cano" Espinoza as an homage to God for surviving the Vietnam War. Made from recycled materials like beer cans and scrap metal, this shimmering castle is a testament to one man's vision and dedication.

A brief summary to Cano's Castle

  • State St &, 285 E 10th Ave, Antonito, CO, 81120, US
  • Visit website
  • Monday 12:30 pm-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 12:30 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-6 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the intricate details and vibrant colors of the castle's design.
  • Bring your camera; the unique architecture and surrounding landscapes offer fantastic photo opportunities.
  • Respect the site and its surroundings; it's a local treasure showcasing the hard work and vision of its creator.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Cano's Castle is located at the corner of State St. & E. 10th Ave in Antonito, CO, a few blocks east of HWY 285. From most points in Antonito's central area, the castle is easily accessible on foot. Simply head east towards the edge of town; the shimmering towers are hard to miss. The walk is generally flat and takes approximately 5-15 minutes from the center of Antonito.

  • Public Transport

    The San Luis Valley Transit provides bus service to Antonito. From the bus stop in Antonito, Cano's Castle is approximately a half-mile walk. Head north on State Street until you reach the intersection with E 10th Avenue. The castle will be on your right. Check local bus schedules for departure times and routes, as they may vary.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and rideshares are available in Antonito, though they may be limited. A short taxi ride from anywhere in Antonito to Cano's Castle will likely cost between $5 and $15. Be sure to confirm availability and rates with the driver beforehand.

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Discover more about Cano's Castle

Rising unexpectedly from a quiet residential neighborhood in Antonito, Colorado, Cano's Castle is a dazzling and unconventional architectural marvel. Created by Dominic "Cano" Espinoza, a Native American Vietnam veteran, the castle stands as a testament to faith, recycling, and personal expression. Construction began in 1980 as an offering of gratitude to God for surviving the Vietnam War, and Cano has been adding to it ever since. The castle is composed of four distinct towers: "the King," "the Queen," "the Palace," and "the Rook," each shimmering with walls plastered in flattened beer cans, hubcaps, and an assortment of repurposed metal scraps. Colored glass and bicycle reflectors add splashes of color to the gleaming structure. Cano's Castle is a constantly evolving work in progress, reflecting the artist's ongoing vision. While visitors cannot enter the structures, the castle can be viewed from the roadside at any time of year. Cano, who lives nearby, continues to welcome visitors to admire his creation. A fire in January 2022 damaged Cano's residence but spared the main towers of the castle.

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