Ca'da'Zan

The Circus Museum shows a  film illustrating the life of John and Mable Ringling.  This film narrated by Hal Holbrook states "The home of the circus king and his wife, a couple from humble mid-western origins, Ca'da'Zan (house of John) stands as a testament to the American Dream of the Roaring Twenties."  We couldn't agree more.  Mable and John Ringling loved Venice and the art and romance of Italy.  The architecture of their home reflects this love with its Venetian Gothic style.  

After a brief wait outside, the self guided tour began of the first floor.

View of the Palazzo and Sarasota Bay from the Sun room.

Gate to the breakfast room to keep the pets out.

              Paintings of dancing couples decorate the ceiling of the grand ballroom. 

Ringling had a special sink made out of a softer metal to prevent the china from breaking whenever it was accidentally dropped.  The "S" curve in the sink is the signature of the sink maker. 

Although the interior of the mansion is beautiful, we considered the palazzo the most exquisite with it's view of the Sarasota Bay.

Joy