The Wandering Disciple

The cat and owl look out over the bayfront, protecting the Ca' d'Zan from evil energy. This spectacular view is from the Belvedere Tower, a luxury accommodation available to some of the elite guests of circus magnate John Ringling.   The Ca' d'Zan was the winter resident of the Ringlings. Built in the 1920's the elegant bayfront mansion was the center of entertainment as the Ringlings welcomed some the world's elite to party along the bayfront.  Taken: August 2, 2013 at Ringling Museum (Sarasota, FL)

  Located on Sarasota Bay, the grounds of the Ringling were once the premiere entertaining spot for the wealthy guests of circus magnate John Ringling.  Today this luxurious resort is home to the Ringling museum which preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling here on the Suncoast. Today the Ringling winter estate is operated by Florida State University and its mission is to tell the story of the Ringling's from their winter home.  It is home to the Ringling Museum of Art, the Ringling Circus Museum and the Ringling mansion named Ca' da' Zan which means House of John.  Connecting each of these museums is lush gardens with colorful flowers and majestic statuary.   Taken: June 14, 2009 at The Ringling (Sarasota, FL)