Bethesda Terrace is a popular architectural attraction located in the heart of Central Park in New York City. The terrace, one of the park’s oldest structures, was built in the 1860s and is situated at the northern end of the Mall, overlooking The Ramble and the Lake
The terrace was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould as a gathering space and a formal contrast to the park’s naturalistic design.
The Bethesda Fountain, featuring the Angel of the Waters statue, which celebrates the opening of the Croton Aqueduct in 1842, which brought fresh water to the city. The angel blesses the water with her right hand and carries a lily, a symbol of purity, in her left. The reservoir used to sit where Central Library is today.
 
interesting facts...
The Bethesda Arcade ceiling is covered with more than 15,000 colorful Minton tiles, which are normally used for floors. This is the only place in the world where these tiles are used as a ceiling.
Beneath Bethesda Terrace lies the “Bethesda Terrace Grotto,” a hidden underground chamber known for its architectural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Rumors suggest it was used for secret gatherings and may contain hidden messages etched into its walls