What secrets do these ancient stones hold? Right here in front of you stands the Church of Saint Bernard de Clairvoux. It’s also known as the Ancient Spanish Monastery. This isn’t just any church. The Church of Saint Bernard de Clairvoux has a past as intricate as the carvings adorning its walls. Originally constructed in Spain in the 12th century, this sacred space served as a monastery for Cistercian monks for almost 700 years. Imagine, for centuries, these very stones echoed with chants and prayers in a land far away. The monastery originally stood in Sacramenia, Spain. It was called the Monastery of Our Lady, Queen of the Angels. In 1174, it was renamed to honor Bernard of Clairvaux after his canonization. Then, in the 1920s, newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst purchased the monastery. Hearst shipped the entire structure, stone by stone, to the United States. He planned to rebuild it in California. However, fate had other plans. An outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease led to the monastery’s stones being quarantined in Miami. Financial difficulties plagued Hearst. He was unable to rebuild the monastery. Ultimately, the stones ended up in a warehouse in Brooklyn, New York, where they sat for decades. In 1952, two businessmen, Raymond Moss and William Edgemon, purchased the monastery stones. They brought them back to Miami and reassembled them on this very spot. The Church of Saint Bernard de Clairvoux is a stunning testament to history, resilience, and the enduring power of faith. Step inside, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The Church of Saint Bernard de Clairvoux stands as a testament to the enduring power of history. It’s a captivating journey across continents and through time, ultimately finding peace in the heart of Miami.
Alice C Wainwright Park
What a view! It takes your breath away, doesn’t it? Alice C. Wainwright Park spreads out before you, a vibrant