The Monastery of Bernard de Clairvaux, also known as the Ancient Spanish Monastery, was originally built in the 12th century in Spain.
In 1925, a wealthy businessman – William Randolph Hearst – purchased the monastery, having it disassembled and shipped to the U.S. in over 11,000 crates. When Hearst went bankrupt, the crates were auctioned to two businessmen from Ohio.
The new owners had the structure built on Dixie Highway in 1964, where it remains. Today, it is the Church of St. Bernard of Clairvaux. The historic monastery welcomes congregants and visitors for services as well as private events and photos.
– Rebecca Hastings, The South FL 100