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Many worldwide cities have their own style of architecture that sets them apart. You know what I mean…when you look at a photo, you can say “I recognize that place”.
While St. Augustine doesn’t entirely have one distinct look per se, although many of Henry Flagler’s creations appear similar, it definitely has a some of the oldest buildings and most historic buildings in the continental United States. It has a classic and picturesque look with many styles from different eras…Spanish Colonial, Spanish Renaissance Revival, Moorish, Neoclassical, Queen Anne, Second Renaissance Revival, Vernacular. It’s residences, churches and businesses are not overshadowed by skyscrapers and the city has enforced building codes to preserve the periods of architecture throughout the area.
Many people opt to take a trolley tour through the city, jumping off at many of the attractions and landmarks. This covers many historical edifices, however, when traveling by foot, you will encounter so much more some hidden away on mossy tree-lined streets. As I hoofed it through the city, I was amazed at the number of historical markers describing past and present buildings as well as other important events. I love history and this further reinforced what an amazing and rich place St. Augustine is!
Here’s a few to look out for:
The Governor’s House. Located on the Plaza de la Constitution, this building dates back to 1598 and has been home to several government offices. Today it operates as a museum and houses exhibits in the main lobby which highlights the city’s history.
Spanish Dragoon Barracks. The two-story coquina shingled roof structure was erected on the site of another current building. The building housed the barracks for the Spanish Dragoon’s but was razed in 1822. Today a memorial plaque stands on the site.
Pena-Peck House. The Pena-Peck House now operates as a Historic Museum. Built in 1750, the house is a fabulous example of the meshing of three distinct styles, First Spanish, Territorial and British, thereby making it larger than many of its neighbors. The structure also operates as The Woman’s Exchange carrying unique works of art, fashion and home decor and is a much sought-after wedding venue.
Dr. Peck House. Dating back to 1750, this house served as the home of the Royal Treasurer and later, the Governor.
Tovar House and Gonzalez-Alvarez House. Together, these two houses comprise the Oldest House Museum Complex with the Tovar House taking the prize for the city’s Oldest House. Located on St. Francis Street, these structures are on the Old Town Trolley tour (Stop #16) and open to the public. Dating back to the 1700s, these two homes have a rich history and have been occupied by many over the years…the living and some say the “dead”. Reports of a shadowy male figure, strange lights and moving objects attract those not only interested in the buildings’ historical status!
St. Francis Barracks. Once part of a Franciscan Chapel, this building housed the British Military from 1763-1783, the Spanish from 1783-1821 and then the United States. Today, the barracks and military reservation house the Headquarters of the Military Department of the State of Florida and the Headquarters of the National Guard.
St. Augustine Visitor Information Center. While the building itself is a new construction, I beg you to stop by and check out the Old Spanish Trail Zero Milestone on the center’s grounds as well as Fuente de Los Canos de San Francisco. The Old Spanish Trail was opened in 1929 and was constructed to provide a continuous highway route from Florida to California and its name pays homage Spanish heritage and missions of the southwest and the south. Nearby, the set of masks that decorate the fountain was gifted to St. Augustine by the City of Aviles, the birthplace of Pedro Melendez, St. Augustine’s founder. They are reproductions of the six faces that serve as waterspouts for the municipal fountain in the San Francisco neighborhood of Aviles. Also, out the lovely clock near the Visitor’s Center parking garage.
Water Wheel at Mill Top Tavern. The working water wheel is a 19th century grist mill driven by a well at the bottom of the wheel pumped to drive the wheel. Quite the unexpected piece of equipment as you venture into this little plaza…worth a look-see or an outdoor meal nearby to watch it work its magic.
The Salcedo House. On this site stands the former home of Jorge Biassou, the nation’s first black general in 1796. Biassou was one of the original leaders of the slave uprising in Haiti and for his service to the Spanish against the French, he became a Spanish General and Florida’s second highest paid official.
Ximenez- Fatio House. Built in 1798 for use as a general store, tavern and family home. Later in operated as a boarding house to provide lodging for fortis earliest tourists. Today the house operates as a lifestyle museum highlighting the history and heritage of Florida.
There are so many more buildings to discover in St. Augustine, some of which I’ve previously covered in my blog. Put on your sneakers and get ready to do a lot of walking and a lot of exploring!
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Governor’s House
- Address: 48 King Street, St. Augustine, Florida. 32084
- Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 1000-1700, Sunday, 1300-1700. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Admission: General Admission, free. Donations accepted.
Spanish Dragoon Barracks
- Address: Cordova Street, St. Augustine, Florida. 32084
- Hours: none, marker can be read from sidewalk.
- Admission: Not open to the public
Pena-Peck House
- Address: 143 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida. 32084
- Hours: Friday and Saturday, 1100-1600
- Admission: free, donations accepted
Dr. Peck House
- Address: St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32084
- Hours: none, marker can be read from sidewalk.
- Admission: Not open to the public
Tovar House
- Address: 14 and 22 St. Francis Street, St. Augustine, Florida. 32084
- Hours: 1000-1700, daily. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
- Admission: Adults, $8.00, Seniors (55+), $7.00, Students (valid id), $4.00, Children (ages 0-6), free, Military (valid id), $7.00
Old Spanish Trail Zero Milestone, Fuente de Los Canos de San Francisco, St. Augustine Visitor Center
- Address: 10 S. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, Florida. 32084
- Hours: Visitor Center, 0830-1730, daily. Grounds, 24 hours, daily.
- Admission: free
Water Wheel at Mill Top Tavern
- Address: 19 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida. 32084
- Hours: 24 hours, daily
- Admission: free
Salcedo House
- Address: 42 St. George Street, St. Augustine, Florida. 32084
- Hours: none, marker can be read from sidewalk.
- Admission: Not open to the public
Ximenez- Fatio House
- Address: 20 Aviles Street, St. Augustine, Florida. 32084
- Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 1000-1700
- Admission: By tour, Adults, $10.00, Students/Seniors/Active Military/First Responders/Educators, $8.00, Saint John’s County Residents, $5.00