A Tour of the Ancient Spanish Monastery
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Morning
Drive north from central Miami on Highway 1 (also called Biscayne Blvd). The road is lined with shops – stop off at any that catch your eye. Turn left on NE 163rd St, then right onto W Dixie Hwy (also NE 22nd Ave). The Ancient Spanish Monastery is on the right after the canal.
You may well feel a sense of awe as you walk around this beautiful little piece of medieval Europe on US soil. Even European visitors, who have visited many such buildings in their homeland, might still marvel at the dedication of Hearst to put it here.
For the best route through the grounds, start at the gift shop/museum, exit to the patio, through the gardens, cloisters, interior rooms, culminating with the chapel, and back through the gift shop.
Among the notable sights are an 800-year-old birdbath, a life-size statue of the Spanish king Alphonso VII (the monastery was constructed to commemorate one of his victories over the Moors), and two of only three known surviving round stained-glass windows from the 12th century.
Afternoon
In keeping with the Spanish-inspired theme, eat at nearby Paquito’s Mexican Restaurant and take a detour along NE 2nd Ave through colorful Little Haiti on your way back.
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