top cities to visit in the us: St. Augustine
St. Augustine is located between Orlando and Jacksonville. The city was founded by Spanish colonist Pedro Menéndez in 1565, making it the oldest existing European-style city on the North American continent, thus earning it the nickname “The First Ancient City of North America.” Of course, the term “ancient” here is relative to the United States. During the Spanish colonial period, the city served as an important military stronghold guarding the American sea routes, and it served as the capital of Florida for 200 years.
The 17th century Fort Castillo San De Marcos in St. Augustine, which has survived 15 battles without being breached, is now a U.S. National Historic Landmark.
The fortress is a pentagonal building with a slender and tall turret at each corner. The fortress walls were built by crushing shells and mixing them with lime, and they look very primitive and solid.
Outside the fortress is Matanzas Bay. The wide bay and long bridge are spectacular.
The city preserves many Spanish Renaissance style architectural complexes, such as the Ponce De Leon Hotel built in 1885. This hotel was built by Henry M. FLAGLER, who was the builder of the Florida East Coast Railway. This luxury hotel once hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities, and later FLAGLER College was established here.
The other buildings of FLAGLER College are also very elegant.
Another hotel built by Henry M. FLAGLER was converted into the Lightner Museum.
The city hall of Saint Augustine is hidden in the shade of ancient trees.
The red, white and black lighthouse built in 1871 still stands by the sea, and the lighthouse station with towering trees attracts many tourists.
A small European-style town worth savoring in detail.
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