Villa Kathrine Park

Villa Katherine - Quincy Park District

The Villa Kathrine is a four-acre park located on Gardner Expressway. It houses Quincy’s Tourist Information Center.

Villa Katherine - Quincy Park District

Located on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, the villa is a Moorish-style structure built in 1900 by the wealthy and eccentric George Metz.

 

Villa Katherine - Quincy Park District

The Villa Kathrine is a Moroccan-style home located on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Quincy, Illinois. The unique home, sometimes branded as a castle, was built in 1900 by architect George Behrensmeyer for wealthy Quincy native W. George Metz. Metz had a fondness for Mediterranean architecture and used the Villa Kathrine as his home when he was not venturing the world. Metz eventually sold the castle in 1912, and the site fell into disrepair and neglect before the non-profit Friends of the Castle sought to restore the Villa in 1978. Work on restoring the castle was completed in 1998, and appropriate site furnishings have been donated and obtained by staff throughout the years to further enhance the castle’s Moroccan roots.

Currently, the site functions as the official tourist information center to the City of Quincy and tours are granted of the site on an appointment basis.

Villa Katherine - Quincy Park District

Inside, the castle features a harem, a courtyard, and a reflecting pool. Much of the designs for the interior and exterior of the building were based upon W. George Metz’s sketches of Islamic architecture that he observed during his global travels.

Hours

Summer Hours – March through October
Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Winter Hours – November through February
Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Tours

Adults $5.00
Child 6-18: $2.00
Child under age 6: Free

For more information, call (217) 224-3688 or go to thevillakathrine.org

Park Info

Restrooms: Yes
Boat Launch: No

Playgrounds

To reserve a gazebo or shelter house, visit the Quincy Park District office at 1231 Bonansinga Dr. or call (217) 223-7703.

Shelters