Overlooking forest hills and valleys, Prabhupada's Palace of Gold is reminiscent of a heavenly kingdom. High atop the Appalachian foothills, healthy mountain air carries the sweet fragrance of countless garden flowers. Only the most sensational varieties of flowers decorate these royal pleasure gardens. Over one hundred water fountains gently splash the cares of the world away. You can even see a swan boat glide along the man-made lakes.

 

 

Inside, you will bathe in sunlit colors filtered through thirty-one stained glass windows. You will see hues of reds, blues and yellows reflected in crystal chandeliers and mirrored ceilings. You will walk upon intricate marble floors and see highly polished marble inlaid walls. Fifty-two varieties of marble and onyx have been imported from Europe, Asia and Africa for this marble mansion. All the furniture is carved teakwood from India.

Ten elaborately decorated rooms are displayed. In the Grand Hall hangs an unusually large French chandelier that is over 150 years old. Murals depicting ancient classics are painted upon the ceiling in the tradition of Renaissance masters. Under the thirty ton main dome is a 4,200 piece crystal ceiling.

Surrounding the Palace are two levels of terraces, replete with flower gardens and bordered by waterways with more than a hundred ornate fountains. From the terraces, the hills of West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania can be seen. Lotuses and water lilies fill the waterways, complementing the flower motifs carved in stone.

A lion, flanking the main stairway, roars salutations.

The Garden of Time to the east of the Palace is resplendent with color from spring to late fall. Geraniums, marigolds, zinnias, blue salvias, dahlias, and one of America's largest collection of roses blend into a vivid bouquet set amidst the green hills. Walkways divide the flowers into islands that surround the central fountain like calibrations on a sundial.

Surrounding the Palace are two levels of terraces, replete with flower gardens and bordered by waterways with more than a hundred ornate fountains. From the terraces, the hills of West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania can be seen. Lotuses and water lilies fill the waterways, complementing the flower motifs carved in stone.

At the front and the back of the Palace, four royal peacock windows contain more than 1,500 pieces of handshaped and stained glass. Peacock and lotus motifs pervade the Palace, etched into numerous windows and carved into doors. Peacocks are particularly associated with Lord Krishna, who wears their feathers in His hair and imitates their dancing.

Website:  www.PalaceOfGold.com

 Driving Directions:
From Route 2 / US 250 South
Turn Left Onto US-250 South
At Light, Turn Left onto First Street
First Street will become US 250 South
Travel on US 250 for 7.5 miles
Just past Limestone General Store,
Turn Left at Palace of Gold sign.
Continue 3.7 miles to the Palace of Gold