There Is A Unique Man-Made Wonder Hiding In This Small City In Florida

Sarasota is one of my favorite places to visit on the Gulf side of Florida. Not only did I spend a lot of time there growing up, but I still have extended family in the area that I use as an excuse to visit whenever I want to dip my toes in the warm Gulf waters. One of the best things about visiting Sarasota is the attractions seemingly hiding in plain sight. Take Cà d'Zan (pronounced: Cah-di-zon) as the perfect example. This former home of John and Mable Ringling, king and queen of the circus, can be toured with the purchase of tickets, and this is one unique man-made wonder in Florida you do not want to miss.

Ca' d'Zan, which means "House of John" in Venetian dialect, was built in the 1920s as the winter residence of John and Mable Ringling, of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus fame.

The mansion, which boasts a whopping 36,000 square feet and 56 rooms, is an outstanding example of Venetian Gothic architecture, drawing inspiration from the palazzos of Venice, Italy.

Ca' d’Zan took just two years to build back in 1926, which was fast during those times. It quickly became the go-to place for social gatherings in the glitzy era of the 1920s.

Mable Ringling, John's wife, played a significant role in the design and decoration of the mansion. Her love for all things Venetian is evident in the intricate details, ornate furnishings, and lavish decor throughout the house.

Ca' d'Zan is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a testament to the legacy of John and Mable Ringling, who were instrumental in shaping Sarasota's cultural landscape.

Today, the mansion serves as a museum that allows visitors to explore the opulent interiors and learn about the Ringlings' lives.

Guided tours offer insights into the history of the mansion and its connection to the circus world. Purchase admission entry to the museum and you can have a self-guided or guided tour to see everything up close!

What do you think about this unique man-made wonder in Florida? Have you ever visited Cà d'Zan before? Sound off in the comments section! You can also book a tour directly through the Ringling website. Meanwhile, before you go, make sure you brush up on your Ringling history with a few books from Bookshop.org.