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The Cloisters
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Historical site
The Cloisters on Paradise Island are the reconstructed remains of a 14th-century French Augustinian monastery originally located in the village of Montréjeau. The structure was first purchased by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst in the 1920s and shipped to the United States in crates. In 1962, grocery chain heir Huntington Hartford acquired the stones and had them painstakingly reassembled at their current location overlooking Nassau Harbor. The site features elegant Gothic limestone arches and intricate columns that exemplify medieval European architecture, a rarity in the Caribbean. Surrounded by the terraced Versailles Gardens, the monument serves as a significant historical landmark and a prominent location for cultural events and photography due to its well-preserved stonework.
- Location: Bahamas
- Top sights: French Cloister at Versailles Gardens · The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort · Fort Montagu
- Nearby: Sandy Point (21 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 33 | 40 | 61 | 127 | 162 | 130 | 154 | 164 | 119 | 68 | 40 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Cloisters are the ruins of a 14th-century French monastery located on the grounds of the Atlantis Resort. Visitors can access the area with a day pass to the resort's beach.
Typical hours
The grounds are open daily from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for resort guests and day visitors. Exact times may vary seasonally, and a reservation is recommended.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds. The Gothic arches and ocean views provide fantastic subjects.
Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to walk through the monastery ruins. Combined with the Atlantis Resort and beach, a full day is reasonable.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the Atlantis Aquaventure Park and the Nassau Straw Market. Both are within the resort or near the harbour.
Getting there
The Cloisters are on Paradise Island, accessible via the bridge from Nassau. Taxis and resort shuttles run regularly; parking is paid.
Insider tip
Visit the ruins early in the morning before resort guests fill the area. The quiet and light are especially atmospheric then.
History & landmarks
1300
Geography
Facts
- The monastery was originally constructed in the 14th century in Montréjeau, France.
- Huntington Hartford oversaw the reassembly of the ruins on Paradise Island in 1962.
- The stones remained in storage for nearly 40 years before being moved to the Bahamas.
- The site is part of a larger garden complex known as the Versailles Gardens.
- The structure consists of authentic Gothic-style limestone arches and columns.
- The Cloisters overlook the waters of Nassau Harbor and the New Providence coastline.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town The Cloisters (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where did The Cloisters originate from?
It is a 14th-century French monastery that was moved here.
Who brought the monastery here?
Huntington Hartford purchased it and had it rebuilt stone by stone.
Is photography allowed there?
Yes, it is one of the most photographed locations on Paradise Island.
Is there an entry fee?
Access to the gardens and ruins is usually free and open to the public.
What is the best time to visit?
Just before sunset for the best light and a romantic atmosphere.
The Cloisters: where is it located?
The Cloisters is located in Bahamas.
The Cloisters: what is there to see?
Highlights include French Cloister at Versailles Gardens, The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Fort Montagu.
The Cloisters: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
The Cloisters: why is it worth visiting?
The Cloisters on Paradise Island are the reconstructed remains of a 14th-century French Augustinian monastery originally located in the village of Montréjeau.
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