Villa Zorayda Museum
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Villa Zorayda museum is a spectaular house built in 1883 as a winter home, inspired by the Moorish Alhambra Palace in Spain. The museum houses a wonderful architecture and unique treasures, including the oldest carpet in the world. It’s 2,400 years, the Cat Rug Carpet was completely woven by the hair of the ancient Egyptian Cats, being that the legend says it is a curse. It was stolen from a tomb and wrapped around a mummy foot, which is also on display. St. Augustine on the historic coast of Florida is a perfect destination that offers economic family adventures. The Magnificent Spanish architecture in the historic district or the view of the city aboard the boat.
ElizabethElizabeth
30
The Villa Zorayda is a quirky place to visit to Saint Augustine. It is a mysterious house that was inspired by Spain's architecture. As someone who visited Spain before I can say that you really feel like you're somewhere in Andalusia instead of Florida. During your visit, you have a free audioguide which was nice but a bit too much into architectural details for me. But I had a nice time wandering around the palace, admiring each details and learn more about the person who created it. Parking was free but only for 1h-1h30 I think which is enough to visit. If you love architecture and history I think you're going to love it! It is rather "small" but worth it.
Melanie MengüsMelanie Mengüs
00
So back in the day, a very rich dude fell in love with the Alhambra in Granada, Spain and decided to build an opulent winter home in Florida to resemble certain aspects of the Alhambra and other places he liked. He then spent even more money filling the place with Spanish, Italian, Chinese, and Egyptian luxury items including a harem swing. In all seriousness, it was a great way to enjoy one of the lesser known attractions in St. Augustine. The Egyptian room was the most intriguing but you can't take photos there. The house is very intricate and definitely feels like you are in Spain.
Toby BearToby Bear
40
It's a beautiful and unique home, worth a visit. No photography is allowed inside so I don't have photos to share but the details and furnishing used to make the house look like the Alhambra are impressive! The tours are self-guided with the aid of a handheld transmitter. The biggest complaint is that the lady at the counter kept using the same Lysol wipe to wipe down each transmitter, then putting it back in the container. We suspected this when we noticed it looked a bit brown upon entry, and confirmed our suspicions upon exiting. Don't put those things up to your face!
Brian DouglasBrian Douglas
00
Amazing little museum that perfectly captures the late 19th century, and later transformed into a testament to Moorish Revival spearheaded by its second owner, Abraham Mussallem. The museum first started out as a winter home, then became a dancing and dining social club, a casino, back to a home, lastly, the museum you see today. Take your time, read the history, and don't forget to visit the 2,400 year old Egyptian Rug on the second floor.
Richard A. Alexander, Esq.Richard A. Alexander, Esq.
00
Extremely interesting piece of history unique to St. Augustine. Despite all my many travels I've never seen anything like it and the tour was moderately priced with self-led radios that allowed us to discover each item at our own pace. They also have parking available at the same cost as most lots, but super close to the shopping and sites. My 19 year old daughter was intrigued as well and thats never been an easy thing to accomplish!!! 😆
Erica ThomasErica Thomas
30
Nearby Attractions Of Villa Zorayda Museum
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Medieval Torture Museum
Lightner Museum
St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
Whetstone Chocolates Store and Tasting Tour
Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection
Saint Augustine Distillery
Potter's Wax Museum

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
4.7
(13.2K)Click for details

Ripley's Believe It or Not!
4.4
(3.7K)Click for details

Medieval Torture Museum
4.8
(2.4K)Click for details

Lightner Museum
4.6
(2.2K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Villa Zorayda Museum
Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille
Columbia Restaurant
Prohibition Kitchen
Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House
Ice Plant Bar
The Floridian Restaurant
One Twenty Three Burger House
Mojo Old City BBQ
Pizzalley's Chianti Room
O C White's Seafood & Spirits

Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille
4.6
(5.8K)Click for details

Columbia Restaurant
4.4
(5.2K)$$
Click for details

Prohibition Kitchen
4.4
(3.1K)Click for details

Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House
4.5
(2.1K)$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
83 King St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Map
Phone
(904) 829-9887
Call
Website
villazorayda.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(399 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
Description
Villa Zorayda is a house at 83 King Street in St. Augustine, Florida. Built in 1883 by the eccentric Boston millionaire Franklin W. Smith as his winter home, it was inspired by the 12th-century Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain.
attractions: Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Medieval Torture Museum, Lightner Museum, St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum, Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Whetstone Chocolates Store and Tasting Tour, Casa Monica Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Saint Augustine Distillery, Potter's Wax Museum, restaurants: Harry's Seafood, Bar & Grille, Columbia Restaurant, Prohibition Kitchen, Meehan's Irish Pub & Seafood House, Ice Plant Bar, The Floridian Restaurant, One Twenty Three Burger House, Mojo Old City BBQ, Pizzalley's Chianti Room, O C White's Seafood & Spirits

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