One Saturday morning, I woke up early and decided to spend the day venturing out into the city, further beyond than I’d ever traveled before. So two trains and an hour and a half ride later, I was at 190th street in Inwood (The Bronx).

DSC06104

Fort Tryon Park surrounds The Cloisters, a Medieval style castle that pieces together “ecclesiastical and secular spaces arranged in chronological order.” The motif itself is very religious, so be prepared to see relics, paintings, and sculptures dedicated to worship. However, there are secular aspects, such as the beautifully embroidered tapestry with images of a group of men and dogs attacking a…unicorn. The word cloisters itself means enclosure and it’s meant to represent the closed off lifestyle of worshiping monks. Other than religious motifs, there are beautiful courtyards and gardens, all which evoke a sense of peace, serenity, and unity with nature. Enjoying a lunch among the old stone courtyard almost makes you forget that you’re really just minutes away from one of the busiest cities in the world.

 
You can view a short documentary about the history of the Cloisters here

Continue reading “Visiting the Cloisters” →