Santa Barbara County Courthouse

while walking in town we "discovered" the 

Santa Barbara County Courthouse

(this is only a small portion of the entire complex)

it's a working building

built in the late 1920's

 after the earthquake of 1925 destroyed the previous building,

it is one of the finest examples of 

Spanish-Andalusian architecture in the United States.

these photos do not so it justice, it's truly stunning

the tile work and the frescos are breathtaking

along the 144 stairs to the top of the clocktower

you can see the workings of the clock

only recently exposed (behind glass) for display.

with an appointment 

you can get a private, up-close and personal tour.

from the clock tower observation deck

the gardens on the back-side of the building