Magnificent. Breathtaking. Phenomenal.

These are just some of the superlatives people use to describe the vista and experience created by the Viscaya Museum and Gardens. This estate featuring an array of gardens, buildings, and landscapes is a tribute to Miami?s rich past ? literally and figuratively.

According to its official website, Viscaya is a ?lens? through which people learn about the history of Miami. The estate is art, architecture, interior design, horticulture, and landscape design all rolled into one.

The Viscaya Museum and Gardens was inducted as a National Historic Landmark in 1970. In the present, the estate is open to the public, drawing thousands of tourists every year. It also serves as diplomatic seat of Miami, having hosted several parties for famous people such as Pope John Paul II and Queen Elizabeth II.