Amigo's Castle

The work that went into the building over 40 years is amazing.

A remarkable story of determination and true passion. Built using local materials this castle is magnificent. Unfinished ,it is managed by Amigos friend Jennifer who gives an insight to a story of inspiration. . The grounds are very well maintained, toilets avail and a short video of the history. Must see while at Lightning Ridge.

As part of one of lightning ridge’s highlights, we were able to enter free of charge (surprisingly), though we did not receive much of a guided tour of any sort since the lady tending to the place at the time had informed us that the place is currently undergoing renovations to be a bit more tourist friendly. Nonetheless, she gave us a quick background check about the castle and Amigo, which was very interesting to say the least. This is one of the places you’d only come once unless there’s something new or more fascinating being added however. It’s still a magnificent piece of work that was build here for sure.

Unfortunately we didn’t get the opportunity to explore the grounds. But even just looking from the road was fun with the quirky signs and art features. It has an interesting tale as to how and why it was built, the passion the owner had in building it. Worth stopping here, even if you can’t tour the grounds.

Enjoyed walking around having a look. The owner(?) Gave us a brief history of the structure and the man whom built it. The kids really liked it there. Spent perhaps, 30-45 minutes wondering around.

It's definitely worth a visit, and you can learn how to cut and polish your own opal. If you can find it.

One of those places you have to visit young bloke looking after it doing a great job

This place is a phenomenal testament to one man's grit. The "castle" is certainly impressive, but that's only what's on the surface. To get a real sense of what Amigo accomplished here you must do the underground tour. This bloke built a castle AND kilometres of tunnels underneath it!

Thank you for a very unique experience.

What an amazing achievement and a great place to visit to experience some of Lightning Ridge quirkiness.

Amazing years of hard work but still along way to go.

I couldn't fathom how a place like that existed. the story behind the castle is pretty interesting as well. The place is riddled with Amigo's humour which is fan and fantastic. This place's entrance fee is included in outback Opal's tour. There's also a pokemon gym here for all you pokemon go fans.

Amazing story of persistence that one person built this structure and the lengths he went to, to obtain the right sort of stone. Has a great atmosphere and character.

This is a gem. Don’t just do the coloured car door drives and drive past this place. Stop and go in. It is an interesting story of how this Heritage listed place came to be. Who built it, when, why and how. Also where “Amigo” is now and what he has been up to.

Was really cool old building with thrones out the front, you can dress up in a crown and cape to get a photo at the castle, there is a donation well where the money made goes to helping the miners, even had a little funny take on the whole 'keep off the grass' which was a little square patch about 20cmx20cm out the front of the castle 🤣

Unique in so many ways and built by a talented and passionate gentlemen. The history of Amigo's castle is provided on entry by the attendant. Able to access most of the site which is open to the public. Plenty of parking available.

Wow! How to fill in time because you don't want to live in a shanty for ever! Not that this is habitable! Interesting indeed...

There is much to experience in Lightning Ridge, with a range of different length, self drive tours, based on a “Mud Map” available from the Tourist information centre as you approach the township, for a small fee. Each tour is colour coded & marked with painted car doors, to make it easy to follow.
One such trip, the “ Red car door “ led us to Amigo’s Castle on Black Prince Drive, an amazing building that was built solely by an Italian gentleman Vittorio Stefanato, as a labour of love, over a 20 year period. It is a replica of a castle in Italy, where he played as a little boy, many years ago, & wanted to have a residence that reminded him of his homeland. He gathered the Iron stone that was just laying around in the surrounding area & would position them just using wooden planks on top of 44 gallon drums. A remarkable feat indeed. We were totally enthralled with the story by the very knowledgeable Anita, who manages the castle & is his business partner. She a self taught painter, with beautiful art works on display, inside the building as well.

Fascinating place. Labour of love. Pity the council won’t let the poor bloke finish off his masterpiece.

Wow! What an amazing place. Loved it. Would make such fabulous event venue. Quirky and fascinating. Well done Amigos

Amigos castle is a quaint little place to visit. Don't expect too much, just appreciate the history and design of Amigos castle and a chat with volunteers.