So which is it? Mediterranean, a bit of Roman (in the roof tile-work), Spanish Colonial Revival, Mission Revival? In fact, it's a mix of all. After suffering a devastating earthquake in 1925 that destroyed much of the historic and commercial area, Santa Barbara decided to rethink its architectural design and start over. So start over it did, concentrating on a Spanish style. (And one, I might add, very reminiscent of Seville.)
Santa Barbara was one of the first U.S. towns to initiate ordinances regulating stylistic design ... so much so that it is now called The American Riviera.
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| Much of both these mission towers came down in 1925 ... with damage in the 1952 quake as well. |
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| Inside the Old Mission's church |
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| The County Court House built after the 1925 earthquake for $2 million dollars. |
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| The Court House. I've never seen one to equal it! |
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| After the earthquake this went from being the Arlington Hotel to becoming the Arlington Theater with a glorious ceiling depicting a starry night. |
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| Part of the old Presidio |
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| For those who've been there, doesn't this remind you of St-Remy, France? |
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| Private residences ... |
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| .... |
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| ... these last two, so simple, so attractive. |
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| La Arcada in the heart of town. |
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| El Paseo with its arcades and shops, first built in 1826 as an adobe complex housing the Commandante of the Presidio Royale of Santa Barbara. |
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| Continuing on through El Paseo |
Really enjoy your blogservations!
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