Elsinore Arch — Attraction in Cincinnati

In 1883, the Cincinnati Water Works wanted to extend its efficient water supply main tunnel (which had remained incomplete for several years) 185 feet to the line at Gilbert Avenue. This efficient main started at the reservoir in Eden Park. To control the flow of water at the base of the steep hill, a valve house was needed. Because the Water Works wanted to enhance the landscape of the park, plus they wanted a structure that would also serve as a new entrance to the park, they felt that the valve house needed to have a special design.

That spring, Cincinnati was host to the Shakespearean Dramatic Festival at Music Hall. The highlight of the festival was the performance of "Hamlet" on Friday evening, May 4. One of the stage sets was a 65-by-65 foot painting of Elsinore Castle (also known as Kronberg Castle), where the moody Denmark prince walked at night and spoke with the ghost of his father. A local artist named Merry painted this stage set. In the audience that night was Water Works Superintendent A.G. Moore. He was so impressed with the painting of Elsinore Castle that that next Monday morning he appeared at the offices of Samuel Hannaford and Sons (famous local architectural firm that designed, among other structures, Music Hall and the Cincinnati City Hall) with a newspaper illustration of the Elsinore stage set. What resulted was that Charles B. Hannaford, the son of Samuel, was commissioned to design the valve house in the form of Elsinore Castle. The Elsinore Tower was built later that year for a cost of $15,000. What resulted is the Norman Romanesque Revival mini-castle consisting of a cylindrical castellated tower joined to a smaller square tower by a battlemented archway. Since the Cincinnati Art Museum officially opened in 1886, a flight of Cincinnati steps were placed behind the Elsinore Tower as a short cut to the museum in Eden...

Elsinore Arch is one of Cincinnati’s most unexpected architectural gems. Tucked alongside the road near Eden Park, this castle-like stone gateway looks like something pulled straight from a European fairytale. Built in 1883 and inspired by the medieval castles of Elsinore (think Shakespeare’s Hamlet), the arch is both historic and visually striking.

It’s not just a pretty landmark—it has real character. The twin towers, arched passage, and crenellated top make it a favorite for photographers and architecture lovers. There’s no formal visitor center or plaque-heavy explanation, but that’s part of the charm—it just stands there quietly, like it has for over a century, blending into the city while still commanding attention.

It’s a great photo stop, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the lighting hits just right. If you’re walking around the Eden Park area or heading to the Krohn Conservatory, it’s worth a short detour. You’ll find a nice walking path nearby and often catch joggers or cyclists passing through.

Elsinore Arch is one of those “if you know, you know” spots. It won’t take much time to see—but it definitely leaves an impression. A small but iconic piece of...

It’s a great photo stop, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the lighting hits just right. If you’re walking around the Eden Park area or heading to the Krohn Conservatory, it’s worth a short detour. You’ll find a nice walking path nearby and often catch joggers or cyclists passing through.

Elsinore Arch is one of those “if you know, you know” spots. It won’t take much time to see—but it definitely leaves...