Villa Zorayda Museum

The Villa Zorayda was built in 1883 by Franklin W Smith as his winter home.  He designed his winter home in the Moorish Revival style of architectural by replicating details of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. Smith tested and utilized his own innovative method of construction know as, poured concrete and crushed coquina shell. His innovative method of construction was used throughout the city during the turn of the 19th, quite literally shaping much of the beautiful architecture that many visitors come to St Augustine to see today. After 20 years as a winter home, Villa Zorayda was then leased to the Zorayda Club, where they provided dining, dancing and socializing to affluent visitors. During the prohibition, the home served as a gambling casino and speakeasy then ultimately was converted to a museum by the Mussallem family in 1933. 

Learn more about our history and our tour offerings at www.villazorayda.com