The Monastery of St. Bernard de Clairvaux was built in Sacramenia, Spain in 1141. The structures were dismantled stone by stone, bound with protective hay, packed in about 11,000 wooden crates and shipped to the U.S. in 1952. It took 19 months and $1.5 million dollars to put the monastery back together.

Cistercian monks occupied the monastery for nearly 700 years when it was in Spain. Today, the monastery is home to the St. Bernard de Clairvaux Episcopal Church and operates as a tourist attraction. The grounds are also available to rent for weddings and special events.

For the low price of 50 cents, you can light a candle and pray to the Virgin Mary for that “A” in algebra.

Wanna Visit?The Spanish Monastery is about 40 minutes from FAU’s Boca Campus and 20 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale Campus.

16711 West Dixie HighwayNorth Miami Beach, FL, 33160(305) 945-1461Check out the Web site

It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday noon to 4:30 p.m.

Admission is $5.00 or $2.50 for students with ID.

Check back each week for new places you can visit on your summer vacation.