Intro: One of the most unusual attractions in Miami, The Ancient Spanish Monastery, nestled next door to a public park in North Miami Beach, is both a historical monument and an actual parish. It is composed of the Cloisters and outbuildings of the Monastery of St. Bernard de Calirvaux, which were originally constructed in northern Spain in 1133 A.D. before arriving, in a long and convoluted way, on South Florida soil in the mid-1950s. Today the Church of St. Bernard de Clairvaux is not only attractive for its bizarre past and the antiquity of its materials, it's a thriving Episcopal congregation.
Parking and public transportation to The Ancient Spanish Monastery:
Parking is free and onsite. Public transportation to the Monastery is limited to the MetroBus. You'll want the routes that go to and from Aventura Mall, but you'll still have a healthy walk to get to the Monastery's West Dixie Highway location.
Best and worst time to go to The Ancient Spanish Monastery:
The Monastery is a very popular place for special occasions such as weddings, and is also frequently used as a location for film and still photo shoots. You're least likely to be impacted by an event on a weekday afternoon, and most likely to encounter closure on a weekend. Still, you should always call ahead to make sure the Monstery is available to the public on the day you'd like to tour. If you want to attend Mass, it's held in English at 8 and 10:15 a.m. and in Spanish at 12:15 p.m.
Admission to The Ancient Spanish Monastery:
Despite the Monastery's motto -– "All who present themselves are to be welcomed" –- admission to the museum & gift shop is $10 for adults and $5 for students/senior citizens. Tours are (usually) available from 10 a.m. until closing at 4:40 p.m.
Must see/do at The Ancient Spanish Monastery
Visitors should note the grand Gothic arches, vaulted ceilings, carved stone walls, wrought-iron fittings and stained-glass windows of the worship spaces, which are set off by simple wooden pews. In addition to these 12th century buildings, which are excellent examples of Romanesque architecture, the formal gardens at the Monastery include sculpted spaces, such as the Saviour Garden and the St. John Garden. An astonishing collection of mature, rare trees - palms, Spanish oaks, cycads and banyans –- is spread out over 20 acres.
Other places to visit near The Ancient Spanish Monastery
If you'd like to remain in the peaceful frame of mind you've cultivated at the Monastery, head to East Greynolds Park and Greynolds Park, which are practically next door (but split in half by West Dixie Highway), or a little bit further northeast to Oleta River State Park. Aventura Mall is also in the vicinity
Insider tip for visitors to The Ancient Spanish Monastery
The Monastery offers classes and lectures on topics that range from yoga to Gothic architecture to monastic life. It also sponsors free concerts. Call ahead or visit the website to see what's on the schedule. Aside from the architecture, spiritual nature, amazing history and beautiful surroundings, you just might encounter something else truly sacred and inspiring.
Author's bio: Jen Karetnick has been living in and writing about Miami since 1992. Her latest books are Mango (University Press of Florida, 2014) and Brie Season (White Violet Press, 2014).