The building was constructed using a mixture of coquina shells and sand, a precursor to modern reinforced concrete.
It served as one of the first private homes in St. Augustine to utilize electricity, installed personally by Thomas Edison.
The "Sacred Cat Rug" is verified as 2,400 years old and reportedly possesses mysterious origins regarding its craftsmanship.
Franklin Smith built the home to showcase his invention of fireproof concrete construction to wealthy Northern visitors.
The interior contains an original 19th-century collection of Islamic art and Spanish antiques that remain in their original display positions.
The home was later converted into a nightclub during the Prohibition era, known as the Zorayda Club.
Villa Zorayda is a Gilded Age winter home modeled after the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, featuring a unique concrete construction technique introduced to Florida by builder Franklin Smith. Completed in 1883, the structure remains one of the earliest examples of poured concrete architecture in the United States. The interior houses an extensive private collection of antiquities, including Egyptian artifacts, original works of art, and rare furniture pieces accumulated during the late 19th century. Visitors can observe the authentic "Sacred Cat Rug," a 2,400-year-old artifact made from ancient cat hair. The museum showcases intricate Moorish Revival design elements, including elaborate plaster carvings and geometric tile work. It serves as a time capsule of the architectural experimentation prevalent in St. Augustine during the late 1800s.
The central interior courtyard featuring the fountain and the ornate, patterned ceiling.
Utilize the provided audio-guide to understand the specific historical context of the room-by-room artifacts.
Inquire with staff about the architectural significance of the poured concrete walls, as these are often overlooked by casual visitors.
Space your visit to allow time for the garden courtyard, which provides a quieter view of the exterior design.
Do not attempt to touch the plaster walls or carvings, as the moisture from hands accelerates the degradation of the historical materials.
Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Photography is permitted without flash; keep hands away from delicate artifacts and fragile historic furniture.
