Castle of John Capon

Brazil, Brazil

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The Castle of John Capon (Castelo de João Capão) is a unique, unfinished castle located in Garanhuns, in the Agreste region of Pernambuco, Brazil, built by João Ferreira da Silva, known as João Capão, who dedicated his entire life to constructing his childhood dream.

João Capão, a poor boy who became an electrician and plumber, first discovered his dream of building a castle at age 9 or 10 after watching a film at the Cinema Eldorado that showed a king's castle with soldiers and horses, then immediately drew the project and promised to build it when he grew up.

He began construction in 1979 when he purchased his first lot, dedicating 34 years to the work until his death in 2016 at age 81, saving money from every paycheck and even selling his rental houses to continue investing in the castle. The castle remains incomplete and continues under construction by João Capão's children, who maintain it as a tourist attraction so his inspiring story lives on.

Visitors can tour the castle Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, paying a R$ 3.00 entry fee, which helps maintain the property, and visitors can even wear royal costumes for free photos. Located on BR-423 in the São José neighborhood near the Nogueirão post, the castle creates a magical, unusual atmosphere in Garanhuns's mountainous landscape despite not being an architectural masterpiece.