At 83 King Street in St. Augustine, Villa Zorayda is a historic house museum built in 1883 as Franklin W. Smith’s winter residence. Its Moorish Revival design draws on Granada’s Alhambra, and the building helped popularize this style locally. Inside, a self-guided audio tour leads through rooms filled with art, antiques and unusual objects, including the more than 2,400-year-old Sacred Cat Rug, made from cat hair. Go for the architecture as much as the collection, and allow time to look closely at the rooms.
A winter home inspired by the Alhambra
Franklin W. Smith built Villa Zorayda in 1883 as his winter residence. Its design takes inspiration from the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, and the house is described as a partial, one-tenth-scale reproduction. Constructed with poured concrete and coquina shell, it helped establish Moorish Spanish Revival architecture in St. Augustine.
The villa later had several lives, including use as a hotel, restaurant and casino. It became a museum in 1933. The building’s history is part of the visit: its rooms reflect both Smith’s architectural ambitions and the changing uses of the property.
Rooms filled with antiques and curiosities
The museum’s collection brings together art, antiques and objects gathered by the villa’s owners. The interiors include colorful decoration, carved details, tilework, brass lamps and furnishings, with pieces linked to Moorish and Egyptian design. A family photo history is also part of the displays.
Among the most unusual objects is the Sacred Cat Rug, said to be more than 2,400 years old and made from the hair of cats from along the Nile. The collection also includes a mummified human foot. These objects give the rooms an eccentric character alongside the villa’s architectural detail.
Using the self-guided audio tour
The audio tour is self-guided and available in English, Spanish and French. Visitors use a phone or audio device to hear the recordings for numbered displays; the instructions indicate which room to visit next. This format lets you move through the house at your own pace and hear context about its history, design and collection.
The villa is at 83 King Street, and admission is charged. The museum is close to other historic attractions, including the Lightner Museum and the Old Jail, so it can fit into a day exploring the area. Advance tickets are recommended.
FAQ
How long do you need at Villa Zorayda Museum?
The visit is self-guided, so you can set your own pace. The audio tour guides you from one room to the next.
Is there an admission fee?
Yes. Admission is charged, and advance tickets are recommended.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. A self-guided audio tour is available in English, Spanish and French.
Can you take photos inside Villa Zorayda Museum?
Photography is not permitted inside.
