Santa Barbara, Calif.--The Courthouse has been called the most beautiful government building in America.  Designed by William Mooser III, the Spanish-Moorish style building was completed in 1929, after the 1925 earthquake ruined much of the city, including the old courthouse. 

California Museums

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Above the entrance to the current courthouse is the inscription "God Gave Us the Country, the Skill of Man Hath Built the Town. It occupies a square block in downtown Santa Barbara.  Gardens and lawns surround this working courthouse.  Civic events, performances and numerous weddings are held on the attractively landscaped Sunken Garden where the 1872 courthouse once stood. 

Visitors can ride an elevator to the 85-foot "El Mirador" clock tower for unforgettable views of the city, coast and mountains. Other attractions include the Mural Room, "Spirit of the Ocean" fountain, noteworthy architecture and ornate tile work throughout the building. 

An information booth is located in the lobby near the main archway. The booth is open 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. Free docent tours are conducted at 2pm daily except on Sunday.  Additional tours are conducted at 10:30am on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. For information call 962-6464.   Always call first before going or visit the official web site, sbcourts.org, as information is subject to change.  Information was provided by sbcourts.org