North Miami Beach, Florida: Oldest Building in Western Hemisphere
Built in 12th century medieval Spain, opened as a tourist attraction in Florida 800 years later.
Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux
- Address:
- 16711 W. Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL
- Directions:
- Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux. South side of W. Dixie Hwy just east of NE 22nd Ave.
- Hours:
- M-Sa 10-4:30, Su 11-4:30 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 305-945-1461
- Admission:
- Adults $10.
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Visitor Tips and News About Oldest Building in Western Hemisphere
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Oldest Building in the Western Hemisphere
Beautiful place. We had a great time, but it did cost us $10 each.
[Becky, 12/21/2016]Oldest Building in the Western Hemisphere
Definitely worth a stop, although a little off the beaten path insofar as any other attractions. $8 per person. Really nice info provided and gardens are beautiful. Would be an ideal place for a picnic. Took about a half an hour to explore.
[Rudi, 05/19/2012]Great place that seems to be a secret. We saw raccoons roaming the grounds and the statuary is abundant. Be sure to read the literature -- it helps to know the history. Small gift shop. If you love flowers, foliage, history (Spanish) and photography, this place is for you.
[Kim, 07/30/2010]Oldest Building in the Western Hemisphere
We had to visit the oldest building in the western hemisphere. It was difficult to find since it was in the middle of apartments and commercial areas, so you would never think it was around there unless you were looking for it.
It was beautiful, quaint, and quiet. Originally this monastery was built in Spain in 1133-1141 and then brought to the US piece by piece and rebuilt in the 1950s.
[Goldie, 06/19/2008]Nearby Offbeat Places
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The Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux was bought by William Randolph "Citizen Kane" Hearst, who wanted to move it to Berkeley, California. But he lost interest, it sat disassembled for 25 years, and then it was bought again and reassembled as a Florida tourist attraction.