St Augustine or "St August-een" as it's pronounced here was founded in 1565 and claims to be the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States (although apparently Pensacola also lays similar claim). Forty-two years before the English colonised Jamestown and fifty-five years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St Augustine.
There are numerous beaches around town and firstly we visited Crescent Beach to the south which was a vast expanse of beautiful white sand and practically deserted.
Back in town as we'd read that parking was difficult we drove across the Bridge of Lions, found somewhere to park and walked back across the bridge.
The 17th century Spanish stone fortress Castillo de San Marcos.
The old city entrance built by the Spaniards in 1808 - see poster below
As the plaque says The Oldest Wooden School House in the USA.
Views across the water as we made our way back to the car.
The following morning we drove back into town and found free parking quite easily in a side street about 15 mins walk from the centre. We'd been told by several people that Flagler College (who are hosting Millie's tournament) was well worth a visit as it's housed in the fabulous former Hotel Ponce de Leon which was built by Henry Flagler in 1888.
The tour was conducted by two students who were both very knowledgeable and excellent, entertaining speakers. They gave us a great deal of info, particularly about Flagler and his family but unfortunately I've forgotten most of it by now.
The ceiling of the rotunda was magnificent
This is the dining room which is just beautiful; the windows were designed by Tiffany
Governor's House built in 1706
Walking in this morning we passed the Memorial Presbyterian Church also built by Henry Flagler. It was open as we headed back to the car and so we popped in. There were several people around giving information and so we learned that it was dedicated to the memory of Flagler's daughter Jennie Louise Benedict, who died following complications from childbirth at sea in March 1889.
Whereas this was taken inside the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Martin but for some obscure reason I didn't take a photo of the outside.
Pope Paul VI who in 1976 elevated the status of the church to Minor Basilica (a church that has been granted special recognition and privileges by the Pope, based on factors like the church's architectural beauty, historical significance, liturgical importance, or a combination of these).
It's not every day you see some riding a unicycle topless!
