Try the Web App

Church of Scientology

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Try the Web App

Did anyone ever tell you the story of Vicente Martinez Ybor? This very spot where we stand today, the Church of Scientology in Tampa, is deeply intertwined with his legacy. Fleeing a turbulent Cuba in the 1880s, Ybor dreamt of a thriving haven. He found it here in Tampa and, with it, established the world’s largest cigar factory. Ybor Square, now home to the Church of Scientology, was once the heart of his cigar empire. Constructed in 1886, the building complex hummed with the energy of workers hand-rolling cigars. Today, the Church of Scientology, established in Tampa since 1982, continues the legacy of transformation in this historic space. In 2010, the Church acquired Ybor Square, meticulously restoring its grandeur. They preserved remnants of the past, including an original tobacco bale press, a poignant reminder of the building’s origins. Even the lector’s podium remains, from where stories and news were read aloud to entertain and educate the workers. The Church of Scientology, with its presence here, has woven its story into the fabric of Ybor City. Just as Vicente Ybor envisioned a space for dreams to flourish, the Church continues to strive for a brighter future for the community.

The story of Church of Scientology in Tampa is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Tampa and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Tampa in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Tampa with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Tampa – only with Explory.

More Places in Tampa

Yeusefiya Cemetery

Were these once vibrant lives, now commemorated beneath our feet? We stand before the Yeusefiya Cemetery, a place where history

Explore

耿辛庄桥

Across the Jiuduhe River stands the majestic Luoshen Bridge. Its elegant arches whisper tales of emperors and dynasties. Luoshen Bridge

Explore

Zion Baptist Church

Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t

Explore

Boat house

The clean lines and simple elegance of the Bauhaus movement are all around us here in Tel Aviv. And yet,

Explore