Villa Vizcaya in Miami, Florida

Not so long ago, I spend some time in Miami. As always, I wandered around to get a feel for my surroundings. One of the places I visited was Villa Vizcaya. I was told that it stands in great contrast to the modern skyline of Miami. It is also a rather different experience from the shopping, beaches and entertainment of Miami.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

By the way, Villa Vizcaya is the original name of the mansion. Nowadays, it is also referred to as Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Where is it?

Villa Vizcaya is located in the Coconut Grove area of Miami. It is immersed in a subtropical forest and faces the beautiful Biscayne Bay.

Origins of Villa Vizcaya

The mansion was built in the early 1900s by James Deering. Deering was a retired millionaire and bachelor. It is said that he was sickly. Hence, his doctors recommended him to move into a warm climate with plenty of sun shine.  He decided to move to South Florida and build this Italian style villa surrounded by formal gardens.

First impression getting there

From the main street, I walked for some 10 minutes on a path through thick vegetation. Finally, I got a first glance of what I was going to see.

Entering Villa Vizcaya

After paying for my entrance, I was on my way into the Mansion. I had to pass a number of security guards. Reason for this is that the Villa contains much of its original furnishing and artwork.

Having said that, there was robbery some years ago. While the thieves were caught in New York short after, the majority of stolen items were never recovered.

Central courtyard of the mansion

Pretty much the first thing I got to see was the large courtyard. It is the center of Villa Vizcaya and used to be open sky. However, nowadays it is covered in an attempt to preserve it.

Gallery around the courtyard

I also found a gallery around the courtyard with stairs leading up to the first floor. Apparently, this was the main living space composed of various ensuite bedrooms, a number of living spaces, kitchen and more.

Equipped with the latest technology available at the time

While the villa was intended to have a baroque appearance, it was equipped with the latest technology available at that time. In fact, it had generators, a water filtration system, built in heating/cooling ventilation, elevators, a central vacuum cleaning system, indoor/outdoor pool, flushing toilets and more.

The Barge

After having explored every corner and angle of the interior of Villa Vizcaya, I moved outdoors. The first thing I saw was the barge in the water right in front of the terrace.

Emblem of Villa Vizcaya

It is said that Deering used a caravel (a type of ship style used during the age of exploration) as the symbol or emblem of villa.

Serving as breakwater

The barge was built as a breakwater to protect the house from waves. It could be accessed by gondola or rowboat. Mind you, the distance between the terrace and the barge is just a few metres.

Originally, the barge featured fountains, electrical light, trees and plants and a gazebo for entertaining guests. Unfortunately, time has had its toll on it.

Pavilion on the sea side

Close by, I found this little pavilion right by the sea and surrounded by this rich vegetation and mangroves.  I thought it was very romantic.

Italian Renaissance inspired gardens

Next, I moved to the meticulous constructed gardens of the Mansion. Their set up is a combination of French and Italian style and were implemented in Cuban limestone stone work.

Keep on exploring the Gardens

I recommend that you really take your time to keep on wandering in the gardens. You will discover some corners, grottos and angles that are easily overlooked.

National Historical Landmark in Miami

In 1926 and 1935, Florida was hit by two hurricanes that badly damaged the Mansion. With considerable effort of Deering’s two nieces, it was repaired and converted into a museum. In 1994, it was designated the status of National Historical Landmark.

Villa Vizcaya is among the most endangered historic places

Albeit, in 2008, Villa Vizcaya was listed as one of America’s 11 most endangered historic places. Partly because the cultural landscape is endangered by the planned construction of high-rises nearby. But also the lack of funds to maintain this site are an issue.

Raising funds and generate income

Efforts have been undertaken to raise funds and keep this amazing place in good condition for future generations.

President Reagan and Pope Paul II

Among them is the historic meeting between Ronald Reagan and Pope Paul II in 1987. Also, the premises was rented out to provide an amazing background for a number of movies.

Concluding

Well, I guess this concludes my post on Villa Vizcaya. I truly recommend visiting the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. It really is worth it. So very different from the rest of Miami.

Trolley back to town

I walked back to the main street and took my ride back to Brickell. I opted for the free of charge trolley. Not only is it somewhat fun to ride, but I also got to see a number of Miami neighbourhoods.