Our journey ended in the city of San Augustin, located in the north of Florida. This city is known for being the oldest settlement in the United States, formed in 1565.
On its streets you really feel the spirit of antiquity. Walking through the colonial Spanish quarter, as if you are moving into the time of Columbus. There are nine well-preserved historical buildings in the quarter, where those who wish can see how artisans worked in the 18th century.
In 1768, 1,300 settlers arrived in these parts from the east coast of Spain, as well as from Greece, Sicily and Italy. They settled 100 km south of present-day San Augustine, organizing a community in the town of New Smyrna. The settlers worked on indigo plantations, which were used to dye fabrics. However, living conditions turned out to be very difficult and in the summer of 1777 they had to move to San Augustine, which was under the control of the British authorities. They became artisans, farmers, fishermen. In 1821, Florida became part of the United States, finally becoming home to the former inhabitants of the Mediterranean. Gradually they lost their native language, but still retained the original cuisine, customs and religious holidays.
The city has many interesting sights, but the most colorful place is St. George Street, which crosses the Old Town. There are numerous souvenir shops, unusual restaurants and pastry shops where chocolate products are made by hand. Here is the oldest wooden school building in the United States, whose age has exceeded two hundred years. It is hard to imagine how it can withstand the hurricanes that are so frequent in these parts.
