Quincy’s Tourist Information Center &
Great River Road Interpretive Center

Welcoming the World to Quincy, Illinois

The Villa Kathrine is a unique example of Mediterranean architecture in the Midwest. Located on a bluff with a breath-taking view of the famous Mississippi River, the Islamic residence built in 1900, is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Illinois Register of Historic Places.

Built for Quincy native and world traveler George Metz, and based on his sketches of villas in various parts of the Islamic world, the Villa Kathrine was built and trimmed with local materials. George Behrensmeyer was the architect.

It is modeled after the Villa ben Ahben in Morocco and has a number of interesting features, including a “harem room” and a courtyard surrounding a marble mosaic reflecting pool. A replica of the Mosque of Thais in Tunisia surmounts the main tower with waving stripes as decoration covered by a dome.

Individual and Group Tours are available, and the building and grounds are available to rent (click on events tab).

Restored and maintained by Friends of the Castle, they operate it year round with Volunteer Hosts, and cordially invite you to visit.