Enjoy it while visiting Miami Beach in Florida
North Miami Beach is home to a remarkable monastery with an intriguing history. Named the Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux, its construction began in A.D. 1133 in northern Spain and was completed eight years later. For almost 700 years, it served as a residence for monks until a revolution in the 1830s led to its takeover and subsequent sale.
Eventually, in 1925, the cloisters and the entire monastery were acquired by William Randolph Hearst. The structure was carefully dismantled stone by stone and transported to the United States, packed neatly in more than 11,000 crates. However, instead of being reassembled immediately, the monastery remained in storage for several years.
Finally, after an extensive effort lasting 19 months, the monastery was reconstructed in Miami. The objective was to create a captivating tourist destination called the Ancient Spanish Monastery. This ambitious project involved assembling over 35,000 stones, earning the title “The Biggest Jigsaw Puzzle in History” from Time magazine.
Unfortunately, the monastery struggled to attract enough visitors as a standalone tourist attraction. Consequently, it was sold to a local diocese, which transformed it into a functioning church. Today, the monastery continues its religious role, welcoming churchgoers while also serving as an attraction that showcases its magnificent architecture and the surrounding gardens.
Escape the hustle and bustle of South Beach by heading north to discover a peaceful monastery. This serene place is greatly appreciated by visitors who value its historical significance and tranquil surroundings. The monastery’s gardens, especially when they are in full bloom, create a beautiful spectacle that shouldn’t be missed.