By Alizée Chaudey By Alizée Chaudey | January 27, 2022 | Culture, Home & Real Estate, Migration,
TAKE A TRIP THROUGH TIME AND DISCOVER THE RICH NARRATIVE OF THE MAGIC CITY WITH THIS LINEUP OF CAREFULLY PRESERVED HISTORIC DESTINATIONS.
Historic sites of the old Art Deco District PHOTO BY: DEBBY HUDSON/UNSPLASH
VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a subtropical interpretation of an 18th century Italian villa. Located right on Biscayne Bay, the dreamlike Italian Renaissance garden offers an oasis of silence and lush greenery, miraculously preserved five minutes away from Brickell. Previously known as the Villa Vizcaya and former winter residence of city businessman James Deering, the estate includes the main house with 34 decorated rooms, 10 acres of formal gardens and a diverse art collection from European antiquities to century-old plants. 3251 S. Miami Ave., Miami, @vizcaya_museum
Versace Mansion’s historic pool. PEDRO SOSTRE/UNSPLASH
ART DECO DISTRICT
Encompassing more than 800 buildings built between 1923 and 1943, Miami’s Art Deco District stands as the first 20th century neighborhood recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Located on Miami Beach between Fifth and 23rd Streets, transport yourself through time as you take a ride along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue to discover a contemporary take on neoclassical styles. Easily recognizable by the bright colors painted on the whimsical pastel buildings, the typical art deco style features exotic floral motifs and prominent structural gems. From geometric fountains to state-of-the-art statues, the district is iconic for its glamorous porthole windows and terrazzo floors. 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, @artdecodistrict
Historic art deco-style buildings along the famed Ocean Drive PHOTO: BY TUAN NGUYEN/UNSPLASH
VERSACE MANSION
Known as the Villa Casa Casuarina, the Versace Mansion was brought to Miami by Gianni Versace in 1992. While the iconic designer immediately fell in love with the city’s unique Spanish architecture, he purchased both the home and the neighboring lot that once stood as the Hotel Revere. Completely restyling the property, Versace transformed the space next door into a whimsical garden and swimming pool. After investing a whopping $32 million in renovations, the mansion now stands as an iconic tourist destination and a glamorous city monument. 1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, @versacemansionofficial
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens BY USSAMA AZAN/UNSPLASH
BILTMORE HOTEL
Built in 1926 by George Merrick, the Biltmore Hotel became iconic for hosting a myriad fabulous events such as galas, golf tournaments and water shows in what was once the largest swimming pool in the world. The hotel is famed for its 300-foot copper-clad top of the Biltmore’s central 13-story tower. The Biltmore’s guest list included notables such as Al Capone, the Roosevelt family, the Vanderbilts and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, among others. 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables
Exterior of the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. COURTESY OF THE BILTMORE HOTEL
FREEDOM TOWER
Miami’s Freedom Tower, also referred to as the “Ellis Island of the South,” is remembered for its crucial role from 1962 through 1974. Once known as the Cuban Assistance Center, the tower offered nationally sanctioned relief to the Cuban refugees who sought political asylum from the Fidel Castro regime. While the tower serves as a distinctive feature of the Miami skyline, the Spanish Renaissance-style building blends Spanish and Italian architectural techniques with Moorish ornamental embellishments such as cast concrete cherubs, wrought-iron balconies and oak doors. 600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, @miamifreedomtower
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