Among the seemingly endless list of historic attractions available for exploration in the “Ancient City,” St. Augustine is home to the oldest surviving Spanish colonial dwelling in Florida! Once believed to be the oldest home in America, the Gonzalez-Alvarez House is a restored home run by the St. Augustine Historical Society, with a history spanning through the Spanish, British, and American occupations of St. Augustine—over a total of 400 years!
Made from coquina, or natural stone formed from seashells condensing together over time, the Gonzalez-Alvarez house features both Spanish and British architecture that reflects its past owners. These families included those of Spanish soldier Tomas Gonzalez y Hernandez and wife Maria Francisco de Guevara, British soldier Joseph Peavett and wife Maria Evans, and Spaniards Geronimo Alvarez and Antonia Vens before passing onto the ownership of several American families and finally, the St. Augustine Historical Society.
Travel back in time when you walk through the same halls as the early colonial settlers of the Gonzalez-Alvarez House once did! Gaze out of the vast windows of the home and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery of St. Augustine charming, old-world cobblestone streets and breathtaking ocean views. Put yourself in the place of these individuals, making their home in a new and foreign land. This home and museum is a great spot to reflect on the long and storied history of the city, as well as reconnect with a piece of American history. Read on to find out additional details about how you can visit this historical treasure for yourself!
Location, Hours, and Admission Pricing
The Gonzalez-Alvarez House is located on the Oldest House Museum Complex, which is across the street from the National Guard office and within walking distance of the Lightner Museum and the St. Augustine Old Town Trolley.
The historic home is open from 10:00am until 5:00pm daily. Tours are given every half hour, with the last tour of the day beginning at 4:30pm. With its incredibly low admission cost, the Gonzalez-Alvarez House is a museum which the whole family can enjoy! Tickets are available at the prices listed below:
- $18.00 for Family (includes 2 adults and all children under 18 years old)
- $8.00 for Adults
- $7.00 for Seniors (adults aged 55 years and older)
- $7.00 for Military (with ID)
- $4.00 for Students (with ID)
The Ocean Gallery is Your Gateway to St. Augustine!
The Gonzalez-Alvarez is just one of the many attractions that you won’t want to miss on your vacation to St. Augustine! Contact our reservation specialists today to learn more about where to go and what to see when you book luxury vacation rental accommodations with The Ocean Gallery.
Picture By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17768485
