Villa Zorayda, Saint Augustine, Fl

/ canalman
Villa Zorayda Informational Plaque
     Villa Zorayda is a historic home located at 83 King Street, Saint Augustine, Florida. It was built in 1883 as a winter house by Franklin Smith.  Mr. Smith was an eccentric Boston millionaire.  He was an amateur architect and experimented in using poured concrete in buildings.  His inspiration for his winter home was the 12th century Moorish Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. His home was an 1/10th scale of this structure.
Another Informational Plaque
     Over the years, the building was used as a restaurant, a night club, a casino and as a hotel. The night club and casino close in 1925.

Villa Zorayda Museum Sign

     In 1913, the building and a portion of Franklin Smith’s art and antique  collection were sold to the Abraham Mussallem, a rug and antique merchant from Syria.  In 1936, Villa Zorayda opened a tourist attraction the Castle.  It exhibited items fitting the architectural theme.  The museum is still owned by the Mussallem family.  It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
Villa Zorayda, Saint Augustine, Florida

Villa Zorayda Saint Augustine, Fl.

Same as above

Villa Zorayda Saint Augustine, Fl.

Same as above

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