What is The Ancient Spanish Monastery?

The Ancient Spanish Monastery, officially known as St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church, is a medieval Cistercian monastery originally built in Sacramenia, Spain in 1133 AD. It was purchased by William Randolph Hearst in 1925, dismantled, and reassembled in North Miami Beach, making it one of the oldest European structures in the Western Hemisphere.

What are the admission prices at The Ancient Spanish Monastery?

Student admission is $5. General adult pricing applies for most visitors, though please check the official website at spanishmonastery.com for current pricing as rates may vary.

Is The Ancient Spanish Monastery open every day?

No — the monastery is always closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours also vary week to week due to private events and church activities. Visit their website for an updated monthly schedule before planning your trip.

Is parking available at The Ancient Spanish Monastery?

Yes, free parking is available both in a dedicated lot and on the street adjacent to the monastery.

Is The Ancient Spanish Monastery accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes. The monastery offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, accessible parking lot, and accessible restrooms.

Is The Ancient Spanish Monastery good for kids?

Yes, the monastery is considered good for kids. The gardens and historic architecture make for an engaging and educational outing for families.

Can I take photos at The Ancient Spanish Monastery?

Photography is a popular activity at the monastery — visitors frequently use it for photoshoots, quinceañeras, and personal portraits. The cloisters and gardens are especially photogenic.

Does The Ancient Spanish Monastery host events?

Yes. The monastery hosts regular activities including Sunday mass, Lenten study groups, centering prayer sessions, garden volunteer days, and a concert series. It is also a popular wedding and private event venue.

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The Ancient Spanish Monastery

8.1

16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA

·Paid Admission·$$

An 880-year-old medieval monastery transported from Spain and rebuilt stone by stone in North Miami Beach

Historic SitePaid AdmissionTravelers' Choice Award#1 of 35 Things to Do in North Miami Beach

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About The Ancient Spanish Monastery

The Ancient Spanish Monastery — officially St. Bernard de Clairvaux Church — is one of Miami's most remarkable and unexpected attractions.

Originally built in Sacramenia, Spain in 1133 AD, the Cistercian monastery was purchased by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in 1925, dismantled stone by stone, and shipped to the United States before being reassembled in North Miami Beach. Visitors can explore stunning Gothic and Romanesque cloisters, tranquil gardens, a historic chapel, and rotating exhibitions during guided or self-guided tours.

The monastery hosts regular Sunday masses, weekly study groups, volunteer garden days, and seasonal concert series. It's equally beloved as a wedding venue and a photogenic day-trip destination.

Admission is affordable, student tickets are $5, and free parking is available on-site. Rated #1 of 35 things to do in North Miami Beach on TripAdvisor, the monastery welcomes families, history buffs, photographers, and spiritual seekers alike.

Highlights

Date Night

History Buff

First-Time Visitor

Free Parking

Elevator Available

Group Tours Available

Restrooms

Admission & Visit Info

Admission

Paid Admission

Price

$5 students; general adult pricing — check spanishmonastery.com for current rates

Duration

1-2 hours

Age

All Ages

Best Season

Oct-Apr

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Verified

8.1

/10

Experience

9.0

Value for Money

9.0

Facilities

7.0

Crowd Management

6.0

Accessibility

8.0

Score derived from 1,900+ public reviews

Buzzing

DaysWeekends

TimesPeak hours

Relaxed

DaysWeekday

TimesOff-peak hours

The best time to visit The Ancient Spanish Monastery is during Miami's dry season (October through April), when temperatures are comfortable for exploring the outdoor gardens and cloisters. Always check the monthly schedule on the official website before visiting, as the monastery closes on Mondays and Tuesdays and may close for private events on other days.

Reviews

Highly positive. Visitors consistently describe the monastery as a hidden gem and peaceful retreat, praising its extraordinary history, lush gardens, and architectural beauty. Minor complaints relate to limited or variable opening hours.

ArchitectureGardensHistorical Significance

The Experience

Attraction Type

Historic Site Landmark Museum Botanical Garden

parking

Free ParkingStreet Parking

accessibility

Elevator AvailableWheelchair AccessibleAccessible RestroomsStroller-Friendly

access

Group Tours AvailableGuided ToursSelf-Guided Tours

facilities

RestroomsGift Shop

policies

Photography Allowed

environment

IndoorOutdoorCovered / Shaded Areas

family

Kid-FriendlyEducational Programs

Ticket Types

General AdmissionStudentSeniorChildGroup Rate

Perfect For

Date Night History Buff First-Time Visitor Instagram-Worthy Family Outing Tourist Must-Visit

Location

16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160, USA

www.spanishmonastery.com

+1 (305) 945-1461

[email protected]

What Visitors Are Saying

What people love

Architecture: Reviewers are consistently awed by the authentic medieval cloisters and stone architecture, calling it unlike anything else in Florida.

Gardens: The monastery gardens are one of the most praised aspects, described as lush, peaceful, and beautifully maintained.

Historical Significance: Visitors deeply appreciate the extraordinary history of a 12th-century Spanish monastery rebuilt in Miami, calling it a must-see.

Peaceful Atmosphere: Many reviews highlight the tranquil, meditative quality of the space, making it a beloved escape from Miami's urban energy.

Photography Opportunities: Highly regarded as an Instagram-worthy and photoshoot destination, popular for quinceañeras, engagements, and portraits.

Value: Visitors consider admission very affordable for the experience, particularly highlighting the $5 student rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Listing details verified March 2026.Report a closure or change