Ca d'Zan, Sarasota

In 1924, the circus king John Ringling set out to build Ca d'Zan as a palace fit for a man of his status. Completed in 1926 and situated at the Sarasota waterfront, the mansion stands as the symbol of the Roaring Twenties, and John Ringling’s rise from a humble background to the very top of the social ladder. The design is inspired by Doge’s Palace in Venice, and captures John’s and his wife Mable’s love for the city. The couple spared no expenses to fit their house with fine furniture and artwork, as well as materials such as mahogany, rosewood, and kingwood. Handpicked American and European artists created murals, plaster and marble decorations. After decades of neglect, in 2002 the mansion was restored back to its full splendor. An admission to the Ringling Museum of Art also includes a quick tour of the mansion’s first floor, while additional fee is required for a detailed tour of the house. To visit Ca d'Zan and other attractions in Sarasota, use our Sarasota trip planning app.