Tuesday, April 16. We move forward in time to the 17th and 18th Centuries

Today the busses transported us to Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.  Built in 1672-95, this is the oldest masonry fort in the United States. After an introductory lecture by Dianne – again dressed in a period costume – we had time to explore the symmetrical fortress, with its cannons, thick walls, drawbridge, and displays that tell the story of this northernmost point of Spain’s New World holdings.  

Our group in front of the castle wall.

 Shortly before noon, we walked the short distance to St. George Street where we gathered for lunch at the Spanish Bakery. Our afternoon included visits to St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine, dedicated to the first colony of Greek people who came to America in 1768 and to the Cathedral Basillica of St. Augustine, originally built in the 1790’s and now the oldest Catholic parish in the nation.  The buildings include beautiful murals, frescoes, mosaics, statues, stained glass, and special exhibits. 

Inside the Greek Shrine

Stained glass windows in the Basillica

The Cathedral Basillica

 

We met our busses at Constitution Plaza and headed back over the Bridge of Lions after a very busy day.  While this program is rated as an easy trip, there is some walking and significant standing, and we all had tired feet!  Andrea and I had just enough energy to walk out on the pier near our hotel for beautiful views of the ocean and beach. 

Dinner tonight was again in the hotel dining room.  After dinner we were visited by Anne Bonney, Queen of Pirates (another Dianne portrayal) who recruited three participants to join her gang of pirates as she related this true story from St. Augustine’s colorful past.