The Elegant, Villa Zorayda
The Villa Zorayda is a treasure well worth exploring whether you are a visitor or a local. I had no idea we had such an incredible home right here in the heart of St. Augustine. The elegant and historic Villa recently re-opened after a multi-year extensive renovation. The results are remarkable.
On the "National Register of Historic Places" it is a 1/10th scale replica of a small portion of the Moorish Castle, The Alhambra Palace, in Granada, Spain. You'll step back in time as you enter this Grand Gilded Age home built by Franklin W. Smith in 1883. Inside, you'll see intricate traceries (ornamental work) on the walls made of alabaster and plaster. These were constructed in Spain and brought over by ship in the mid 1800's. Beautiful tiles, over 350 years old from Egypt and Spain, line the walls and floor of the Villa. The Villa Zorayda was the winter home of Franklin Smith and his family until 1904 when Mr. Smith decided to lease it out. It then became the Zorayda Club, featuring dining and dancing. In 1913, Abraham S. Mussallem bought the Villa Zorayda and neighboring Granada Hotel (which he renamed the Alhambra Hotel). He continued to lease out the Villa keeping it as the Zorayda Club for several more years. The 1920's brought casino gambling to the Villa until it was outlawed in the late 20's by the State of Florida. In 1934, Abraham & his wife, Olga, opened the Villa as a museum and it has remained a museum ever since.
Today, you'll find the original antique collections of both Franklin W. Smith and Abraham S. Mussallem. Abraham Mussallem was an authority on Egyptian artifacts, oriental rugs and fine antiques. The Villa was built before electricity was introduced to St. Augustine so most of the beautiful brass lamps and Moorish light fixtures were originally gas lamps or lanterns that have been converted to electric. On display are antique furniture which date back to the 1600's, a collection of porcelain china from the Zorayda Club days as well as a set of 21 watercolors built into the wainscoting of the house which were painted in 1881, at the "School of Fine Arts" in Paris, France, just to name a few. You'll also see what was found behind the watercolors during the renovation. Very interesting! Don't step on the Egyptian Cat Rug - a 2400 year old rug made from hairs of ancient cats that roamed the Nile River - it possesses a curse for anyone who walks on it! Look for it in the Egyptian Room.
Part of the charm of this wonderful museum is that it has remained a part of the Mussallem family since 1913. If you are lucky, you will be greeted by Jim or Marcia when you arrive. Marcia is the granddaughter of A.S. Mussallem. It is a wonderful way to start your tour when you see the love and passion this family has for their Villa Zorayda. Both the trains and trolleys stop at the Villa, so be sure to hop-off and visit this elegant home. State-of-the-art audio tours, available in English or Spanish, run continuously throughout the day.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday
Admission including audio tour: Adults $10.00
Senior discount (60+): $1.00
Docent led tours 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Free all day parking with paid admission, first come - first served. Villa Zorayda83 King Street St. Augustine, Florida 32084 (904) 829-9887 Note: Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the attraction.
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