The second of two posts focusing on the swimming pools at Hearst Castle.
If I were told I could swim in just one of the two beautiful pools at Hearst Castle, it would be a really difficult choice. The Neptune Pool is the most famous of the two and with its marble columns and scenic views, it makes a good case. But I think the Roman Pool might just have the edge.
The Roman Pool is the indoor pool at Hearst Castle. It’s decorated with statues of Roman gods, goddesses and heroes. While the outdoor Neptune Pool has definite Roman influences with the temple columns that surround the pool, the Roman Pool is more directly inspired by the pools and bath houses of ancient Rome.
The mosaic tiles are either blue or orange or clear fused with real gold. I love the colour scheme and the way the gold sparkles under the water, conjuring images of sunken treasure. Muralist Camille Solon created some of the designs and it’s said to be inspired by the 5th Century Mausoleum of Galla Placidiara.
The biggest reason I like it so much is the way it’s laid out. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of a swimming pool with rooms like a house. The Roman Pool has alcoves, almost like a separate room. You can swim into the central one to get access to the diving platform (pictured below). Also, the wall of the pool and the wall of the room is continuous in many places, again giving the illusion that a building has been filled with water. Something about it just captures my imagination.
Related posts: Hearst Castle: The Neptune Pool
Driving Highway 1: Hearst Castle
More posts on California’s historic Highway 1
More photos from Hearst Castle on Flickr (all rights reserved).
My camera ran out of film before we reached the end of the tour. The photos in this post were taken by John Elliott and are used with permission.
I was overcome at the sight of that pool, I broke out in goosebumps and almost started to cry, no kidding. It was so beautiful, so BLUE, and those little gold tiles now and then, it was like something out of a dream. I’m glad you saw the magic in it to.
When my husband and I first saw this pool for ourselves (on Hearst Castle’s Tour #1) we turned to each other and whispered:
“How can we make this a lifestyle choice?”
We’re still working on that one…so in the meantime, thanks for taking me back.
.-= Melanie@TravelsWithTwo´s last blog ..Flying High Above South Australia =-.
Wow, what an indoor pool! The Hearst Castle really does have the best pools, sigh.
.-= Travelogged´s last blog ..Cinco de Mayo Edition: Top 5 Places I Want to Visit in Mexico =-.
I’ve gone on all three tours that show you his airstrip, zoo, garden, pools ect.
When I first saw the pool I almost ripped off my cloths and jumped in, it is just so frikin beautiful. They should really have like a pool party where you get to swim its to boring just looking at all that beauty why can’t we enjoy it!