Exceptional Historic Villages that Bring the Past to Life

Spanish Quarter Village, located on colonial-influenced shopping mecca of St. George Street, is a refreshing change from the souvenir shops and modern commercialism. Step inside nine houses reconstructed to appear as they did in 1740, when St. Augustine was already nearly two hundred years old. "Villagers" dressed in period costume might be sewing, doing carpentry work, cooking, or blacksmithing when you arrive, so be sure to keep your eyes open. They're happy to answer any questions you have about colonial days.

The village is beautifully shaded, filled with graveled walkways and rustic wooden fences with signs naming the different homes. Tour the wonderfully restored 18th century homes, such as the wooden Casa de Gomez (Gomez House) and see how the military garrison members and their families lived. If St. Augustine souvenirs, historical and otherwise, are your desire, the Spanish Quarter gift shop has a very wide array of interesting items, and it's well worth the visit.

Old St. Augustine Village can be found at 246 St. George Street, and represents a slightly later time period in St. Augustine's history. With a variety of colonial and Victorian homes dating from the late 1700s to the early 1900s, Old St. Augustine Village is another way to "put yourself in the shoes" of the city's past residents. Nine homes, both simple and elegant, are available for exploration, and costumed guides are there to help. The buildings are much different from that of the homes in Spanish Quarter, and a few of the reenactors may be available to discuss St. Augustine's later history, such as the men who fought in the American Revolution of the 1770s.