Ona is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Hardee County, Florida, United States. Its population was 199 as of the 2020 census. Although such a small town, is it known by Florida explorers as the home of Soloman's Castle - a unique, art gallery and home worth a trip to visit and explore unusual yet beautiful art. Its population was 199 in 2020. Ona has a post office with ZIP code 33865, which opened on October 11, 1897
Notes:
At first, an unimpressive "okay, a shiny castle, somewhere out in God's country, with nothing around". In my mind, one word was sounding "boring!". But then upon taking the tour we learn interesting facts. The artwork was all created by one individual. Most of the 'raw' material used in the artwork was scrap yard quality, discarded materials: mowers, plows, engines, 55 gallon drums - you name anything metal and Solomon could use it. Even the exterior siding of the handmade castle was from used and discarded printing plates. The tour was very interesting and worth a return trip to see.
A side note, a good friend of ours had the opportunity several years ago to meet and talk to Harold Solomon - the owner/originator. What my friend learned and shared with me from his conversation (that is NOT shared on tour) was that Harold and wife were drawn to the area during the 'Florida cheap land days', only to learn that this property was purchased unseen was actually marsh and swamp. Mr. Solomon then decided he had to do something more than just build his home - so he used his skills and created the Castle.
(Cameras were not allowed inside the Castle/home, however the 3 interior photos included in the gallery below are credited to Florida Backroads Travel (a website that posts photos I share with them on Florida destinations Ginger and I explored). See link below for more information).
Photo Ops:
Resources:
Solomon's Castle http://solomonscastle.com
Florida Backroads Travel - A Magical Place ... www.florida-backroads-travel.com/solomons-castle.html
Notes:
At first, an unimpressive "okay, a shiny castle, somewhere out in God's country, with nothing around". In my mind, one word was sounding "boring!". But then upon taking the tour we learn interesting facts. The artwork was all created by one individual. Most of the 'raw' material used in the artwork was scrap yard quality, discarded materials: mowers, plows, engines, 55 gallon drums - you name anything metal and Solomon could use it. Even the exterior siding of the handmade castle was from used and discarded printing plates. The tour was very interesting and worth a return trip to see.
A side note, a good friend of ours had the opportunity several years ago to meet and talk to Harold Solomon - the owner/originator. What my friend learned and shared with me from his conversation (that is NOT shared on tour) was that Harold and wife were drawn to the area during the 'Florida cheap land days', only to learn that this property was purchased unseen was actually marsh and swamp. Mr. Solomon then decided he had to do something more than just build his home - so he used his skills and created the Castle.
(Cameras were not allowed inside the Castle/home, however the 3 interior photos included in the gallery below are credited to Florida Backroads Travel (a website that posts photos I share with them on Florida destinations Ginger and I explored). See link below for more information).
Photo Ops:
- Solomon's Castle
Resources:
Solomon's Castle http://solomonscastle.com
Florida Backroads Travel - A Magical Place ... www.florida-backroads-travel.com/solomons-castle.html
