A Slice of the Middle Ages Overlooking the Hudson
Perched on a hill in Fort Tryon Park, The Met Cloisters feels like a European monastery teleported to Manhattan. Its hidden gardens, however, are the real treasure—a living museum of medieval flora where monks once grew everything from poison to salvation.
Where Mandrake and Mysticism Meet
The Bonnefont Herb Garden grows over 300 species used in the Middle Ages. Wander past beds of woad (for dyeing robes), saffron crocuses (worth their weight in gold), and mandrake roots (believed to scream when pulled).
But it’s not all folklore. The Trie Garden blooms with 12th-century French flowers, while the Cuxa Cloister Garden features a 12th-century Spanish fountain where visitors toss coins for luck.
ow to Time Travel
Guided Tours: Join a free “Medieval Plants & Potions” walk (Sundays at 2 PM) to learn how monks used hemlock as anesthesia.
Bloom Calendar: Visit in May for irises and quince blossoms, or October for fiery Virginia creeper vines.
Picnic Perch: Spread a blanket in Fort Tryon Park for post-garden Hudson River sunsets.
Pro Tips from a Cloisters Fanatic
Secret Door: Behind the Gothic chapel, a small gate leads to a hidden overlook with river views.
Photo Op: The unicorn tapestries are framed by arched windows overlooking the gardens—arrive early for golden-hour light.
Avoid Crowds: Winter weekdays are silent except for the trickle of fountains.
Why These Gardens Matter
They’re a bridge between past and present, proving that even in hyper-modern NYC, history’s roots run deep.
Visitor Intel
📍 Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr (Fort Tryon Park)
🕒 Hours: 10 AM–5 PM daily (closed Wed)
💸 Entry: Pay-what-you-wish for NYC residents
🚇 Closest Subway: 190th St (A line)
Ready to Channel Your Inner Monk?
Just don’t touch the mandrake—unless you’re ready for its “scream.”
Next up: Subway art that roasts capitalism…
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