Once a restaurant and club, Villa Zorayada then became a gambling casino during Prohibition. After it shut down, the city declared it a national landmark to preserve its culture, open to tour today!
The interior features replicas of the walls of the Alhambra palace. Among the fine detailing, you’ll see hand-painted wood tiles, intricate fireplaces, and mosaics made of stained glass.
Among the many pieces of art displayed is the Sacred Cat Rug. Infamous and highly discussed by visitors, it is over 2,400 years old and made of the hair of ancient cats that roamed the Nile River.
It was Smith’s intention to bring part of Spain to St. Augustine, and he succeeded. Today it educates visitors about different world cultures from Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
