Residing on the eastern flank of the Matanzas Bay, this Spanish mission has an intriguing history to tell. Spanish conquistador Pedro Menéndez Avilés founded this mission in 1565, and it is the first of its kind in the Americas, established for the Spanish cross and crown. Historians allege that it was this spot where Avilés kissed the wooden cross presented to him by the chaplain of his expedition. Some of the highlights include a bronze memorial to the same Father that stands on the lagoon's eastern bank. However, the most striking feature of the site is the much-revered Great Cross, a looming steel body commanding over the bay's marshes and scenic greens. The mission is made more significant by the presence of numerous other sites like fountains, archaeological remnants and a museum which harbors the casket of Avilés.
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The Old School House is a national treasure said to be the oldest surviving wooden schoolhouse in North America. Built more than 200 years ago, it made its debut as a schoolhouse until 1788, when Spanish rule ended. Sturdy construction has enabled it to withstand the ravages of time, it's held together with wooden pegs and handmade nails! Animatronic robots are dressed in period costumes, designed to depict schoolmaster and students on a typical 18th Century day.
Built in the year 1750 by the Spanish King for his royal treasurer, the Pena Peck House is one of the most beautiful Spanish- styled architecture in the city of St. Augustine. Visit this house, which is replete with vintage furnishings revealing the 18th Century antiques. Learn more about the Pena and Peck families as you take a tour of this place.
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Listed in the prestigious National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), St Augustine Downtown Historic District can rightly be described as the heart of St Augustine. Dated back to the 1700s – this area creates a fantastic opportunity to explore the town on foot. Dotted with rustic buildings, numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, and shopping, you won't be short of things to do while at the Historic District. Delve into the Historic Downtown, which represents the rich architecture of the Spanish Colonial and renaissance periods.
