1. The Ancient Spanish Monastery
City: North Miami Beach, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 945-1461
Address: 16711 West Dixie Hwy.
Description: The Ancient Spanish Monastery is the oldest historical building in Miami (and in the western hemisphere) and it far outdates the city’s other historic architectural wonders. The monastery itself was built between 1133 and 1144 in Spain and later purchased by William Randolph Hearst in 1925. After being fully dismantled and shipped to the United States, the US Department of Agriculture quarantined the shipment as a result of the hoof and mouth disease scare and the stone sat in a Brooklyn warehouse for almost three more decades. In 1952 two city developers bought the broken-down monastery and brought it to Miami.
2. The Ancient Spanish Monastery
City: North Miami Beach, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 945-1461
Address: 16711 West Dixie Hwy.
Description: Considered the oldest building in the western hemisphere, this monastery was built from AD 1131–1141 in Spain before it was dismantled and shipped to America in 1925 by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The monastery remained in pieces in a Brooklyn warehouse until the 1950s when it was fortunately resurrected by developers in Miami. It was purchased by the Episcopal Diocese in 1964 and is now a popular spot for weddings and other special occasions. Tours are offered by appointment and are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and German. Self-guided tours are also available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon through Sat, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sun. Call several days ahead to confirm opening hours.
3. The Ancient Spanish Monastery
City: North Miami Beach, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 945-1462
Address: 16711 East Dixie Hwy.
Description: Considered the oldest building in the western hemisphere, this monastery has a unique story and offers tours by appointment. The building was originally build in Segovia, Spain, between 1133 and 1144, and retains its magical ambience and old-world beauty today. It was purchased and dismantled in 1925 by William Randolph Hearst, who shipped the stones to the United States, but because of financial problems it would be more than 26 years before the monastery was painstakingly reassembled at its current location. Self-guided tours of the grounds are permitted outside of normal business hours (normal operating hours are reserved for special events). Guided tours are offered for a minimum of 15 people with advance notice, and in multiple languages, if necessary.
4. Cafe Bambini
City: North Miami Beach, FL
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (305) 944-1566
Address: 3072 NE 163rd St.
Description: The bistro menu at this cafe has salads and sandwiches as well as a coffee and tea selection. The founders, two stay-at-home moms, tout their cafe as a safe space for children to play and parents to relax. A $5 play area includes 5 centers that kids can explore; Science and Discovery Center, Blocks and Building Center, Library/Cozy Center, Imaginative and Dramatic Play Center, and Gross Motor and Gym Center.