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Gargoyle encrusted apartment building.

Beach Bordello, Gargoyle-Encrusted

Field review by the editors.

Venice, California

A few blocks from the beach in Venice you'll find a gilt-tipped iron fence framing a gargoyle-encrusted 2-story building. Dozens of statues, demons -- knights in armor, nymphs, and little demons -- scale the outer walls and roof. It's not an official tourist attraction or a haunted house; it functions as an apartment building, with tenants and a landlord. And a 10,000 year old curse?

We don't really know if it's cursed; perhaps it's just neighbors with misdirected curb appeal anger. No one can complain too much in a community that welcomes graffiti murals, urban folk art, and a Freak Show Museum -- just around the corner.

The apartment building is named "El Bordello Alexandra." Painted on the exterior are scenes of scantily clad women riding dragons, and ladies of the night peeking from balcony curtains.

Beach Bordello, Gargoyle-Encrusted

El Bordello Alexandra

Address:
20 Westminster Ave., Venice, CA
Directions:
El Bordello Alexandra. Speedway and Westminster, a block from the beach. Private property, visible from street.
RA Rates:
Worth a Detour
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

Binocular BuildingBinocular Building, Venice, CA - < 1 mi.
Clownerina - Giant Clown in TutuClownerina - Giant Clown in Tutu, Venice, CA - < 1 mi.
Venice Canal Historic DistricVenice Canal Historic Distric, Venice, CA - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Valley Relics Museum, Lake Balboa, CA - 16 mi.

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