Rubel Castle

The brainchild of Glendora resident Michael Clarke Rubel, Rubel Castle is one of the major folk-art landmarks in the San Gabriel Valley. Construction on the Castle began in the mid 1960s and carried on until it was finally finished in 1986. Parts of its architecture are visible from outside the complex proper, including its beautiful iron wrought entrance complete with colorful rooster! Gifted by Rubel in his will to the Glendora Historical Society in 2005, the Society offers paid tours of the Castle for those who want a closer look. 

Located on Glendora’s last remaining citrus farming lot (purchased by Rubel from Albourne Ranch Company), the Castle was hand-built by Michael and his friends using local supplies, sometimes in quite unexpected ways! As the Glendora Historical Society noted on their application to classify the castle on the National Register of Historic Places, “Embedded in the mortar of the Castle walls are many recycled and found objects and curios, such as bottles, household items, and appliances, as well as portions of bicycles and motorcycles.” The GHS goes on to explain that “while the castle has no specific architectural style, the use of stream rocks and boulders from the San Gabriel Mountains, used as structure, veneer, and hardscaping throughout the grounds, gives Rubel Castle the distinct look and feel of a picturesque medieval village.” This whimsical artistic village offers a one-of-a-kind look at the Glendora folk art scene.