Passionate Harry Potter fans have perhaps all dreamed of visiting their hero’s famous school. The next best thing just might be seeing this Hogwarts in South Carolina that looks like it could almost be a satellite campus.

The Hogwarts Castle architecture is a fascinating mixture of styles, including elements of Norman Romanesque, Gothic, and Gothic Revival styles and drawing inspiration from great European cathedrals.
Via Tsuji/Flickr
The Circular Congregational Church, located on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston, undeniably gives off serious Hogwarts vibes. If you’re in Charleston and looking for castles near me, this definitely could be mistaken for one.
Hogwarts like building in South Carolina
WC-Travelers-75/TripAdvisor
Meeting Street got its name from the church, which first met in what it called the “meeting house.” Meeting Street was the road leading to it at the time, then called Meeting House Street.
Maarten Schafer/Google Reviews
The church is one of the oldest continuously worshipping congregations in the South. And it looks just like Hogwarts in South Carolina!
Its adaptation of the Romanesque style is evident in the massive quality, thick walls, round arches, large towers, and decorative arcading.
jovannig/Getty Images

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The church was built in 1804 from plans drawn up by Robert Mills, Charleston’s leading architect who also designed the D.C. Washington Monument. It almost looks like it belongs on a list of “Castles in South Carolina."
Circular Congregational Church/TripAdvisor
The steeple was not a part of the original structure. It was added in 1838.
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This addition put an end to the jokes that had been made over the lack of a steeple on a church building.
In 1892, the current building was constructed out of bricks from the ruins when it was destroyed by fire at the beginning of the Civil War.
Jeff Steinmiller/Google Reviews
Not only is the church visually reminiscent of Hogwarts, but its history in education gives it some common ground also. In 1816, the first Sunday School for religious education in South Carolina was started here, as well as a prototype of what would later become The American Bible Society.
Louise Heusinkveld/Getty Images
A National Historic Landmark, this church is well worth a visit, whether as a Harry Potter fan, a history buff, or while on a horse-drawn carriage tour of Charleston. If you’re thinking, “Harry Potter Charleston SC- how could that be?” We understand. But this building could make you look twice!
Taylor Clark/Google Reviews

You can learn more about this church and its history at the Circular Congregational Church’s website. Also in South Carolina, Harry Potter fans may want to stay at this Harry Potter-Themed Airbnb and Break Out Of This Harry Potter-Themed Escape Room! Have you ever seen any other Hogwarts-like buildings in our state? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

If you are looking for more great places to stay, browse the listings on VRBO.

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Hogwarts in South Carolina

Megan McDonald | September 22, 2023

Are there castles in South Carolina?

South Carolina does not have castles in the medieval, European sense of the word, but there are a few structures and locations that might be referred to as "castle-like" due to their distinctive architecture or historical significance.

  • Atalaya Castle: Atalaya Castle, located in Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is one such structure. It was the winter home of industrialist and philanthropist Archer M. Huntington and his wife, the sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, built in the 1930s. Inspired by Moorish architecture from the Mediterranean coast, the structure features a square design with a large inner courtyard and is surrounded by a high brick wall. It is not a traditional castle but bears the name and has a distinctive, castle-like appearance.
  • Castle Pinckney: Castle Pinckney is a small masonry fortification on Shutes Folly Island in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. Built in the early 19th century as a coastal defense fort, it played roles in the War of 1812 and the Civil War. While it is not a castle in the medieval European sense, its name and historical significance make it a point of interest in South Carolina. Over the years, it has suffered from neglect and erosion, but efforts have been made for its preservation.

These structures may not be castles, but they offer a glimpse into the architectural and historical diversity in and around South Carolina.

Is there a Harry Potter escape room in South Carolina?

Escape Rooms Adventure in Spartanburg, South Carolina, invites Potterheads to a thrilling Harry Potter-themed escape room. Participants, playing as a team of secret "lighthouse magicians," have 60 minutes to battle dark wizards and undo a spell that's turned a comrade to stone. 

The facility, offering over six diverse rooms, ensures the comfort of all participants with a panic button in each room for those uneasy in confined spaces. It’s crucial to note that due to copyrights, the adventure, named “Harry Troter,” isn’t based strictly on the Harry Potter movies. Advance bookings are required, so secure your spot on their official website and bring your wand for this magical journey!

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Circular Congregational Church, 150 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA