Santa Barbara County Courthouse 
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The Santa Barbara County Courthouse is a Spanish-Moorish building in the style of a palace, completed after the large earthquake of 1929. The tiles lining the staircase are mainly from Tunisia, while those used on the arches are of Californian origin. The entrance hall on the first floor is a strange mixture of styles; the tiles and a passage way to the loggia are Islamic, the pink window is Romanesque and the archway decorated with angels is Byzantine.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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For a good view out over the city towards the ocean, a trip up to the top of the El Mirador bell tower is in order. Located throughout the courthouse are numerous paintings by noted artists Allan Gilbert Cram, Van Cina. In the mural room visitors will find an original Grosbeck. The courthouse and the grounds are popular places for weddings and you may be lucky enough to come across one.
Hours:
8am-5pm; Sun: 10am-4:30pm; Sat: 10am-4:30pm
Always closed on: Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Guided tours are given Monday to Saturday at 2p.m. Additional tours occur at 10:30am Monday, Tuesday and Friday.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
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