St. Augustine ’s Leo ward the entering to the Bridge of Lions . Source : Susan Sims

The Pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock in 1620 , but by this clock time the Spaniards already had a compound experiment in action — and it was n’t in frozen Massachusetts . St. Augustine , Florida is the oldest continuously occupied European - found city in the United States . live long before the American Revolutionary War , affirmative action , and women ’s suffrage , this multicultural city ’s telling chronicle can be seen in its architecture .

Known as “ the most beautiful bridge in Dixie , ” the Bridge of Lions was design not only for transport but to be a oeuvre of art . The lions at the foreland of the nosepiece are copies of the Medici lions found at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence , Italy . rootage : Susan Sims

St. Augustine Lions Bridge

St. Augustine’s lions guard the entrance to the Bridge of Lions. Source: Susan Sims

cannon guard the gate of the Fountain of Youth , an area originally explore by Pedro Menéndez . generator : Susan Sims

As a Spanish enclave in the Deep South , St. Augustine is home base to not only Spanish - style construction , but also French and English architectural styles , as both of these countries once rule the modest town . Pair these influences with the colonial , plantation - stylus buildings , geographical mile of whitened sand and more than a few crazy tourer attractions , and you have one very distinct area .

The Castillo De San Marcos is the dominant Spanish Colonial landmark . Constructed of strong coquina , the fort was never take in force play . Source : Susan Sims

Lions Bridge in Florida

Known as “the most beautiful bridge in Dixie,” the Bridge of Lions was designed not only for transport but to be a work of art. The lions at the head of the bridge are copies of the Medici lions found at the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence, Italy. Source: Susan Sims

The steeple of the Cathedral Basilica rise up over the medal trees of St. Augustine . Harlan F. Stone , concrete and terracotta tiles were common construction elements in the town . Source : Susan Sims

conquistador explored St. Augustine as early as 1513 , but the town was n’t officially established until September of 1565 , when Pedro Menéndez de Avilés erected a fort near the Timucuan Amerindic small town of Seloy , in effect claim Florida for Spain . In 1702 , the British attacked . Though they were ineffective to stamp down the fort that defended the Ithiel Town , they succeeded in fire most of the city to the land . For this reason , only a few of the St. Augustine ’s structures predate the onset . Most edifice were reconstruct in the feeling of the early resolution .

visitor can see the remnants of the earthen and coquina walls that fence in the city . These wall were constructed in 1704 follow the British onrush on the city . Source : Wikipedia

Cannons St. Augustine

Cannons guard the gates of the Fountain of Youth, an area originally explored by Pedro Menéndez. Source: Susan Sims

The Government House was established per the Spanish Law of the Indies that define that a plaza must be set aside for political science , church and public use . The result was this colonial - mode building , which served as the hind end of government for both the Spanish and English . Source : Susan Sims

Castillo San Marcos

The Castillo De San Marcos is the dominant Spanish Colonial landmark. Constructed of strong coquina, the fort was never taken in force. Source: Susan Sims

Cathedral Basilica St. Augustine

The steeple of the Cathedral Basilica rises over the palm trees of St. Augustine. Stone, concrete and terracotta tiles were common building elements in the town. Source: Susan Sims

Gates of St. Augustine

Visitors can see the remnants of the earthen and coquina walls that surrounded the city. These walls were constructed in 1704 following the British attack on the city. Source:Wikipedia

Government House Florida Attraction

The Government House was established per the Spanish Law of the Indies that specified that a plaza must be set aside for government, church and public use. The result was this colonial-style building, which served as the seat of government for both the Spanish and English. Source: Susan Sims