Pythian Castle, Toledo

The Pythian Castle is a striking Romanesque-style building constructed in 1890 by the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization and secret society. Designed by the Toledo architectural firm of Bacon & Huber, the castle stands as a monument to the city's prosperous past with its black steeple and spires towering over 100 feet from the ground. The highest point of the castle, the turret on Jefferson Avenue at City Center, rises 122 feet above the street, while the main roof reaches a height of 79 feet. This 30,000-square-foot building was recognized for its historical significance and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

In its early years, the Pythian Castle was heralded as the finest building dedicated to Pythianism, reflecting its importance to the Knights of Pythias. Besides serving as a meeting place for the organization, the building also housed retail spaces. One notable early tenant was the J.W. Green Co., a retail and wholesale dealer in pianos and organs. The castle's elaborate Romanesque design, complete with grand arches and intricate stonework, has made it a significant architectural landmark in Toledo.

However, the castle's grandeur contrasts sharply with its present state of neglect. Abandoned for over forty years, the building has become the subject of local ghost stories and paranormal claims. Visitors and trespassers have reported eerie sensations and ghostly encounters, adding a layer of mystique to the already historical edifice. In 2013, the Toledo Blade published a series of photos that revealed the castle's dilapidated interior, underscoring the need for restoration and preservation.

As efforts continue to secure its future, the Pythian Castle stands as a testament to both the grandeur and the fragility of Toledo's architectural legacy.