Rising out of the quaint downtown area, The 138 room Moorish Revival Castle boasts intricate balconies, an arched carriage entrance, hand painted Italian tile, five majestic tower suites and red tile roof.

May 1887: Henry Flagler sells land to Bostonian amateur architect, Franklin W. Smith, on which Smith builds The Casa Monica Hotel.

January 1, 1888: Smith opens hotel with only three guests registered.

April 20, 1888: Henry Flagler purchases Casa Monica and "all fixtures, furnishings, silver, hardware, linen, bedding, parlor, hall, dining room, and kitchen furnishings and all other chattels," for $325,000. Flagler changes the name of the hotel to "Cordova."

1888-1902: Hotel thrives with many return guests, parties, balls, fairs, and charity activities.

1902: Construction of bridge between Cordova and Alcazar; hotel changed name to "Alcazar Annex."

1903: The Alcazar and the Cordova considered as one hotel. The Alcazar was advertised as "enlarged and redecorated."

Spring 1932: Cordova closes its doors.

July 1945: Bridge between Cordova and Alcazar torn down.

February 13, 1962: St. Johns County Commission votes to purchase the Cordova to be used as a county courthouse. Price is $250,000.

1964: Significant renovation begins as The Cordova is converted to the courthouse.

May 29, 1968: St. Johns County Courthouse is dedicated.

February 21, 1997: Richard C. Kessler of The Kessler Enterprise, Inc. of Orlando purchases the St. Johns County Courthouse with intent to return the building to a luxurious hotel.

December 10, 1999: Richard C. Kessler opens the doors to the Casa Monica Hotel.

April 2001: First official royal visit to St. Augustine - King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sophia visit the Casa Monica.

July 2001: Casa Monica Becomes one of a handful of hotels in Florida to receive the coveted Four-Diamond Award from AAA.

May 3, 2003: Reception is held to celebrate the marriage of Annalei Avancena and Scott Winsett.