Elsinore Arch, Cincinnati
The Elsinore Arch, also known as Elsinore Tower, is a striking 19th-century architectural gem in Cincinnati. Built in 1883 at the intersection of Gilbert Avenue and Elsinore Place, it originally served a practical function for the Cincinnati Water Works: to house a valve system at the base of a steep hill connecting to a vital water main tunnel from the Eden Park reservoir. But the utility came with style.
The structure's design was inspired by Elsinore Castle from Shakespeare's Hamlet after Water Works Superintendent A.G. Moore attended a Shakespearean Festival at Cincinnati鈥檚 Music Hall in 1883. Captivated by a stage backdrop of the castle painted by artist Merry, Moore brought an illustration of it to the architectural firm Samuel Hannaford and Sons the following Monday.
The result was a Norman Romanesque Revival mini-castle designed by Charles B. Hannaford. The finished structure features a cylindrical, castellated tower connected to a smaller square tower via a dramatic battlemented archway鈥攂ringing a touch of medieval fantasy to a civic utility project.
Soon after its construction, the Elsinore Tower also served as a symbolic entrance to Eden Park, complete with a staircase behind it meant to provide access to the Cincinnati Art Museum (opened in 1886). However, the steepness of the stairs and the rise of motorized transport led to a decline in its use as a public passage.
Though no longer used as originally intended, the Elsinore Arch remains a Cincinnati landmark. By 1988, it housed reservoir valves and served as storage for the Water Works. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the arch stands as a tribute to Shakespeare, stage design, and Victorian civic spirit.
The structure's design was inspired by Elsinore Castle from Shakespeare's Hamlet after Water Works Superintendent A.G. Moore attended a Shakespearean Festival at Cincinnati鈥檚 Music Hall in 1883. Captivated by a stage backdrop of the castle painted by artist Merry, Moore brought an illustration of it to the architectural firm Samuel Hannaford and Sons the following Monday.
The result was a Norman Romanesque Revival mini-castle designed by Charles B. Hannaford. The finished structure features a cylindrical, castellated tower connected to a smaller square tower via a dramatic battlemented archway鈥攂ringing a touch of medieval fantasy to a civic utility project.
Soon after its construction, the Elsinore Tower also served as a symbolic entrance to Eden Park, complete with a staircase behind it meant to provide access to the Cincinnati Art Museum (opened in 1886). However, the steepness of the stairs and the rise of motorized transport led to a decline in its use as a public passage.
Though no longer used as originally intended, the Elsinore Arch remains a Cincinnati landmark. By 1988, it housed reservoir valves and served as storage for the Water Works. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the arch stands as a tribute to Shakespeare, stage design, and Victorian civic spirit.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Cincinnati. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Elsinore Arch on Map
Sight Name: Elsinore Arch
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Cincinnati, USA (See walking tours in Cincinnati)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Cincinnati, Ohio
Create Your Own Walk in Cincinnati
Creating your own self-guided walk in Cincinnati is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Eden Park Walking Tour
Eden Park is undoubtedly the most popular park in Cincinnati, Ohio. This large outdoor area blends culture, history, and architecture in one stunning location. The park spans across lush greenery and scenic spots, making it a beloved retreat for locals and tourists alike. Apart from offering a tranquil escape amidst the urban bustle, Eden Park is also home to a number of famous city landmarks.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Cincinnati's Historical Buildings
A place where remarkable landmarks, river views and rolling hills are all part of the cityscape, Cincinnati, OH is a home to one of the most impressive collections of historic architecture in the United States. German homes, French cathedrals and splendid 19th-century mansions are found here in abundance. The list of architectural styles present in the city is truly impressive and includes Greek-,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Over-the-Rhine District Walking Tour
The historic Over-The-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is one of the largest districts in the U.S. recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Its name comes from the predominantly German immigrants who developed the area in the mid-19th century and had to commute across bridges over the Miami and Erie Canal (nicknamed "the Rhine" in reference to the river in Germany) which separated... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Cincinnati Introduction Walking Tour
Welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio鈥攁 place that blends historical richness with the vibrancy of cultural attractions!
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
The land that became Cincinnati had previously been occupied by Fort Washington. Before that, it was home to the Shawnee and other Native American tribes like the Miami, Ojibwe, and Lenape.
Founded in 1788, the city earned its name from the Society of the Cincinnati, the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles