- Atalaya Castle
- Gate into the courtyard.
- Past the gate, down the hall in the middle of the courtyard.
- Looking into the courtyard from the walkway.
- In the courtyard.
- Detail next to the chimney.
Visitors to Huntington Beach State Park are free to walk through the site, no tour required, and investigate the rooms, take photographs, and sit in the courtyard. While I haven’t been there since summer 2007, I remember being very intrigued that this building was just subjected to the elements, constantly, and it was only serving as outdoor art, if you will. It recalls the discussion about buildings as museums, as livable spaces, or open to the casual observer. I think this particular “abandoned” building does serve a good purpose of public education and architectural intrigue since it is in a public park and not out in the middle of nowhere. But, how long can something be out in the elements before it needs conservation, without which, it will eventually fade away.
p.s. The state park is a great place to camp, picnic, swim, run, and spend an afternoon or a weekend.
p.p.s. click on each gallery photo for a larger image.