Visiting San Simeon

​Hearst Castle
For more than 3 months I hesitated in writing about Hearst Castle, so strong are the contradictory feelings about it. It surely is an impressive collection of marvels. No doubt, the architects tried their best to give harmony to the boss tastes. No doubt, the site is priceless. But…But… Why such an uncomfortable sensation? What can I say? That’s one more of those things that no description can explain. Seeing it for yourself it’s the only thing it will do.

They recommend booking in advance, and I did it from Portugal, choosing a secure scheduling time, considering that I was driving from San Francisco and enjoying the sights. I arrived one hour prior than scheduled, and had no problem anticipating the visit. Which is always an escorted visit.

Address: 750 Hearst Castle Road San Simeon, CA

The castle

While the interiors are heavy and following a very arguable taste, the gardens are splendorous and the sights breathtaking.

​I strongly recommend that you should see the movies at the exit, explaining how the complex was built.

The pools

Hearst Palace is very well known from the cinema, and the outdoor pool is one of its landmarks.

​However, the inner pool is also a precious construction, though so cold in its old fashion look that the weather should be rather hot to prefer swimming indoor, and heat was something we couldn’t find in California… in August (yes, I know – we didn’t go to San Diego…)