Located in picturesque Manitou Springs just 20 miles west of Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Miramont Castle Museum is certainly a sight to behold. Built in 1895, the Miramont Castle was originally the residence of a Catholic missionary priest from France, Father Jean Baptiste Francolon. Since the castle was purchased and renovated in 1976 by the Manitou Springs Historical Society, it has been a museum with exhibits detailing the Miramont’s extensive history. The Nurnberg exhibit displays the office of Judge John C. Young, Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court, as well as a judge chosen to preside over the final Nazi war crime trials in 1946. The castle was also used as apartments for soldiers returning home from World War II. The Spoils of War exhibit showcases authentic uniforms, photographs, and souvenirs from wartime. There is also the Manitou Springs Fire Department exhibit with historic firefighting equipment from the 1800s. The Miramont Castle Museum has a Victorian Garden in the back, as well as the Queen’s Parlour Tearoom, which serves luncheons and High Tea. The castle’s name, Miramont, means ‘Look at the Mountains,’ which is perfect for the beautiful mountain scenery in which it is located.
