In keeping with the Spanish-Moorish theme of much of old St. Augustine, Villa Zorayda is a sumptuously decorated mock-Arabian palace in the middle of America's first city. The Villa is spectacular inside and out, it features the geometric decor and vaulted arches typical of the Alhambra or the palaces of old Cordoba. In fact, the palace actually mimics a part of the Alhambra in 1/10 scale. The Villa was built in 1883 and since then it had undergone many incarnations as a former casino, private club, residence, and meetinghouse. Today it houses the eclectic collections of its original benefactor Franklin Smith as well as that of former owner Abraham Mussallem.
This building which housed the Old St. Johns County Jail is an excellent example of Romanesque Revival architecture. It was built in 1891 by the same firm that created Alcatraz and during its use as a jail, it gained a reputation as one of the most violent places in Florida. The jail ceased to function in 1953 and since then it has become quite the tourist attraction due to the rumored ghosts that walk the halls. The tours are guided and after the visit, the jail is a good place to catch a ferry or train to other points of interest around St. Augustine.
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Though St. Augustine may not have the international appeal of Florida's other pulsating cities like Miami and Tampa, few people know that this is the oldest city in USA. Also called Ancient City, it boasts a summery climate almost perennially thus attracting tourists in plenty who soak in its majestic colonial atmosphere, the Gothic structures, sidewalk art cafes, numerous waterfronts and not forgetting those vintage cobble streets. A visit to Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas serve as poignant remnants of the Spanish invaders, while miles of virgin beaches will keep the adventurers happy. St. Augustine does promise something for everyone.
Visit a bit of the old world at St. Augustine's historic St. George Street and Spanish Quarter Village. The entirety of St. George Street is a quaint pedestrian strip and it's closed to all motorized traffic. Most of the buildings are reproductions of homes and shops that visitors would have seen in St. Augustine centuries ago. Inside some of those buildings, shops and restaurants are available and a myriad of street performers provide the entertainment—you can meet with and talk to colonists and soldiers as they go about their tasks, mimicking daily life during the mid-18th Century.
They're alive! More than 170 wax renderings collected at Potter's Wax Museum are on display—Hollywood stars, authors, scientists, artists, historic explorers and royalty. Potters was the first wax museum in the United States, and many years after its debut continues to offer both fun and education. Touring the "Chamber of Horrors" exhibit is optional. Potters has the only public real working wax studio. You'll also find a movie theater presentation and a museum shop here.
