Amigo's Castle - Lightning Ridge
13 October 2014 by Johno
Categories: Opal Fields | Opal Fields Characters | Australian Opal
Amigo's Castle at Lightning Ridge Opal Field
The last time we visited Amigo's Castle was in the 1990's. Amigo was still constructing it with no finish date in sight. He also didn't like visitors at that time so Barbara was lucky to be invited in to take some photographs, and to meet Amigo. You can read about that visit and see photo's in my earlier post on Amigo's Castle on this web site.
In August 2014 we again visited Lightning Ridge Opal Field to see how things had changed. Of course we had to check out Amigo's Castle as it was now on the visiting agenda of at least two local tourist companies. For a gold coin donation you can visit the castle and have a good look around. They have even prepared a professional little booklet which shows pictures and snippets of Amigo's (Vittorio Stefanato's) story.
Vittorio Stefanato - Amigo
Vittorio arrived in Australia at 22 years of age in 1970. He traveled to Tennant Creek and Mount Isa before finally arriving at Lightning Ridge in February 1973. He started using local stone to create a camp while he looked for opal. That camp kept growing and for the next 40 years he kept adding to it until now it is a major tourist attraction for this unique town. There were no plans for his structure and he has his fair share of run-ins with the local council. I understand he cannot get permission to roof in the structure so it will never be completed. But don't let this stop you from visiting. It is truly a magnificent structure and very well constructed.
We didn't get to meet Amigo this time. He was back in Italy having a well earned holiday, but we did get to meet Anita. Anita keeps the castle in order, shows tourists around and answers questions. She has also set up an art display of her work in one of the rooms of the castle. Anita is a local artist who arrived in Lightning Ridge at the age of thirteen She has lived in the region ever since. Some of the photo's show examples of Anita's work on display at the castle.
The castle has certainly expanded since we here last.
Part of Amigo's Castle
This photo shows the quality of the stonework and eye for detail that Amigo has.
Amazing detail in stonework of the castle
This photo taken from the inside shows the arched windows he has constructedand also the fine attention to detail of the stonework.
View through window onto Amigo's Casle
For those of you with an artistic bent there are wonderful textures and other photographic opportunities.
Courtyard at Amigo's castle
Again note the attention to detail on the inside of the castle. The next three photos are of Anita's art which is on display.
Anita's Artwork
More of Anita's Artwork
More of Anita's Artwork
Her paintings are quite striking and unique and well worth a look and the viewing is free.
Amigo is apparently a bit of a recluse nowadays we were told. He doesn't like talking to tourists and you can sort of get an idea of what he is like by the signs around the castle.
Signs of the Times by Amigo
Amigo's thoughts
Amigo's sense of humour
Amigo's prophecy
Amigo in a bad mood
Amigo's castle is now part of the landscape at Lightning Ridge. It is well worth seeking out and you don't gave to take a tour to see it. For a two dollar donation anyone can walk around the castle and admire the stonework and the tenacity of the man who has made this his lifetime work. And don't forget Anita's art.
You can look up further images of Amigo's castle here.
Also if you Google "Amigo The King of His Castle" you will be able to read even more about Amigo.
Johno