Julius' Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Julius' Castle |
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Julius' Castle, side view, beside Filbert Steps
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| Location | 1541 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California |
| Built | c.1924–1928 |
| Architect | Luigi "Louis" Mastropasqua |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic Revival/Arts and Crafts |
| Governing body | Private |
| Designated | 10 May 1980 |
| Reference no. | 121 |
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Julius' Castle is a unique building shaped like a castle. You can find it at 1541 Montgomery Street on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. For many years, it was a famous landmark and a popular restaurant. It first opened its doors between 1924 and 1928.
Since 1980, Julius' Castle has been recognized as San Francisco Landmark Number 121. Its design mixes two cool styles: Gothic Revival and Arts & Crafts.
Contents
The Castle's Story
Building a Landmark
Back in 1886, a grocery store stood on this spot. Later, a family home was built there, but it burned down in a fire in 1917. In 1923, a man named Julius Roz (1869–1947) started building the castle. He worked with an architect named Luigi "Louis" Mastropasqua (1870–1951).
The idea for Julius' Castle came from another castle-like building. This was Layman's Wooden Castle, a German-style tourist spot on Telegraph Hill from 1882 to 1903. Both Roz and Mastropasqua had moved to San Francisco from Italy just before Layman's Folly closed.
Recycled Materials and Secret Times
Some of the wood used to build Julius' Castle was recycled. It came from the Panama–Pacific International Exposition, a big fair that was taken down in 1919. This included redwood and maple wood. In the 1920s, the castle was even painted pink!
During a time called Prohibition, it was against the law to make or sell alcohol. Julius' Castle secretly operated as a speakeasy. This was a hidden place where people could still get drinks.
A Place for Famous Faces
Julius' Castle stayed open even after Julius Roz passed away in 1947. Inside, it looked like a fancy Victorian-era living room. It offered amazing views of the San Francisco Bay. Many famous people loved to visit.
Some of the celebrities who dined there included Robert Redford, Cary Grant, Sean Connery, and Marlon Brando. Even Ginger Rogers and the explorer Sir Edmund Hillary visited. The whole cast of the movie The Empire Strikes Back also stopped by!
Julius' Castle also appears in books by the writer Dashiell Hammett. The 1951 movie The House on Telegraph Hill was even filmed there.
Recent Years
After many years and different owners, Julius' Castle closed in 2007. In 2017, the city approved plans for it to reopen as a restaurant. However, there were some delays. Neighbors were worried about crowds and noise. The castle was scheduled to reopen in 2020.
Gallery
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Julius’ Castle Menu, date unknown
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Julius’ Castle Menu, date unknown
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