This little gem is a haven located in North Miami. The grounds are beautiful and a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city.
The ancient monastery and the cloisters date back to the 12th century; construction began in 1133 and ended in 1141. Cistercian monks occupied the monastery for almost 700 years in Spain!
In 1925 the American William Randolph Hearts bought the monastery and got it taken apart and moved to the United-States. It remained in storage until 1952, one year after his death. Following the sale to William Edgemon and Raymond Moss, the monastery and the cloisters where put back together piece by piece in their current location.
In 1964, philanthropist Colonel Robert Pentland Jr. bought it and donated it to the Church. This ancient monument is now an active Episcopal Church and popular site for weddings, celebrations and even movies. There is a small museum at the entrance outlining the history of the monument. Be sure to explore the gardens with various statues and vine-covered trees.
Definitely worth a visit —we felt like we were in Spain!
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