Audio Guide: Ringling Estate Walking Tour (Self Guided), Sarasota

Among other things, the city of Sarasota, FL is renowned for its arts community, historical sites and museums. By far the most notable location that fits all the three categories here is the winter estate of the American circus mogul, entrepreneur, and art collector, John Ringling, and his wife, Mable. Indeed, their 66-acre property, turned museum complex, is one of the Gulf Coast’s premier attractions.

Throughout their lives, the Ringlings aspired to become serious art connoisseurs, pursuant to which they amassed an impressive collection of top-class European artworks. Presently a Florida state museum, the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art is housed in a grand Mediterranean-style palazzo.

Aside from the art museum, the estate also contains the Ringlings' lavish Venetian Gothic-style mansion, Ca' d'Zan, revealing the owners' extravagant tastes, and evocative of their two favorite Venetian hotels, the Danieli and the Bauer Grunwald.

Nearby, Ringling’s Circus Museum documents the impresario’s theatrical successes, while his wife's – Mable Ringling's – rose garden forms part of the beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking Sarasota Bay. Both John and Mable, as well as John's sister, are buried very near this garden, just to the north, in what is called the Secret Garden.

For a more detailed acquaintance with these and other locations associated with the life and legacy of America's flamboyant circus baron and his family, take this self-guided walking tour and spend some quality time in Sarasota!