Cloisters

The magnificent pile atop Fort Tryon hill, which looks out over upper Manhattan, has the look of a much earlier construction, though it was built only in the 1930s. The purpose of the institution, which is part of the Met, is however, in fact, dedicated to celebrating the architecture and art from Middle Ages.

Funded and built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr., the museum has a sacred quality to it, helped in part by its magnificent collection of Medeival church apses, stained glass windows and illuminated manuscripts. Secular pieces abound as well, including the famed Unicorn Tapestries and hauntingly beautiful stone sculptures.

There are multiple gardens and courtyards boasting plants and produce typical of the Middle Ages, gleaned from a great amount of research and seed analysis. On nice days, the views out over the Hudson River extend for miles, courtesy of another of Rockefeller’s gifts: he donated the land across the river to the city to ensure uninterrupted vistas.