Viscaya is one of the greatest and grandest estates in America. We think of such famous places as the San Simeon Castle in California or the Biltmore House in North Carolina, but Vizcaya rivals them both - not in size, the main house "only" has about 75 or 80 rooms - but in the excellance of the architecture and craftmanship. The main house is simply gorgeous and opulent and sumptuous. It is filled with priceless antiques, including ancient Roman statuary and medieval tapestries. The formal gardens are full of statues and fountains and terraces - so don't forget to bring the camera! No wonder this was spot that was chosen by Pres. Reagan to welcome the Pope on his first trip to Miami. James Deering, the multi-millionaire who commissioned Viscaya in the early years of the 20th Century employed the best art historians, decorators and architects to create a Mediterranean Palazzo with rooms reflecting Renaissance, Baroque, Rococco, and Neo-Classical periods. Especially lovely is the Adams' Brothers English style Library and Mr. Deering's Napoleonic Empire style marble bathroom with solid gold fixtures and hardware! Best of all, the estate is situated on a bluff overlooking the aquamarine waters of Biscayne Bay. It's breath-taking!