Monasteries are generally built in scenic and secluded locations, away from the distractions of bustling cities and towns, because peace and quiet are essential to an ascetic life. Monks constructed monasteries in isolated and difficult-to-reach areas to foster spiritual reflection and introspection in their pursuit for solitude.
Monasteries have stunning architecture and are often home to impressive artworks, manuscripts, and sacred treasures because they were founded centuries, if not millennia ago. Furthermore, visitors can learn about their diverse cultures, traditions, and religious activities. These distant monasteries, whether buried among gorgeous mountains and valleys or nestled on little lonely islands, are set amidst some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery.
1: Tiger’s Nest – Bhutan
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The Tiger’s Nest, perched perilously on a cliff face 900 metres above the Paro Valley floor, is one of Bhutan’s most revered and magnificent places. It was founded in 1692 around the cave where an important Buddhist master is reported to have meditated. It is made up of four primary temples. Aside from the beautiful architecture, the monastery houses numerous meditation caves, statues, sculptures, and paintings.
The complex is only accessible by climbing up stone steps and walkways dug into the cliff face, as well as crossing the small rickety wooden bridges that connect them. You may get amazing views of the valley and forest below from Paro Taktsang, as well as learn more about Bhutan’s rich Buddhist history, culture, and heritage. Also, read Best Italian Restaurants Near Me.
2: Meteora – Greece
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Meteora, a cluster of Eastern Orthodox monasteries second only to Mount Athos in terms of importance, is one of Greece’s most famous and photogenic attractions. The 14th-century monasteries, which are built on top of massive rock columns that rise steeply from the ground, have commanding views of the Plain of Thessaly.
Meteora still contains six active monasteries with chapels, cathedrals, and caves, as well as amazing frescoes and old religious artefacts, despite the fact that there were originally 24 in total. Visitors must trek up numerous flights of stone steps cut into the rock to reach Meteora’s beautiful monasteries. These small walkways provide stunning views of the beautiful countryside below.
3: Saint Catherine’s Monastery – Egypt
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Saint Catherine’s Monastery is situated at the foot of Mount Willow in the dry and lonely Sinai Peninsula of Egypt, not far from the little town of the same name. The fortified complex, which includes a beautiful old church and mosque as well as a centuries-old library, is rich in icons, mosaics, and manuscripts.
Saint Catherine’s, one of the world’s oldest monasteries, was founded in 324 and is today a popular pilgrimage destination for Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Many visitors combine it with a trip to Mount Sinai, where Moses is claimed to have received the Ten Commandments.
4: Hanging Monastery – China
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The Hanging Monastery, built into the side of a sheer cliff, appears to be dangling in midair, some 30 metres above earth. The temple, which is located in Shanxi Province, is unique in that it combines features of China’s three major religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
The monastery, which was built over 1,500 years ago, is an engineering marvel with more than 40 rooms and pavilions, as well as outstanding artworks, sculptures, and architecture. The Hanging Monastery, which is protected from the weather in a small canyon basin, looks out over a beautiful gorge, with Mount Heng visible in the background. Also read romantic hotels near me.
5: St. George Monastery – Jerusalem
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St. George Monastery is located on the islet of Ostrvo Sveti Dorde, right off the coast of Perast, and is surrounded by the magnificent waters of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. The Benedictine monastery, which was founded in the 12th century, has a tiny church and priory, as well as many beautiful cypress trees.
It has earned the ominous nickname “island of the dead” since it has been abandoned for generations and has long been utilised as a cemetery. Although tourists are not permitted to enter, the St. George Monastery is a stunning site to behold while sailing around the Bay of Kotor, one of Montenegro’s most attractive natural attractions.
6: Kozheozersky Monastery – Russia
Kozheozersky Monastery is situated on a small, picturesque peninsula extending out into Lake Kozhozero in Russia’s northwest. Due to its distant location, the monastery can only be reached by hiking 30 kilometres through the woods until you see its white walls rising up in front of you.
The monastery has been burned down and rebuilt, utilised as a political exile centre, and even as an army post during the Russian Civil War since its founding in the 1550s. It is now inhabited by a solitary hegumen who looks after the monastery and welcomes the few visitors that make it there.
7: Sümela Monastery – Turkey
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Sumela Monastery is set in the Pontic Mountains of northern Anatolia, looking out over the spectacular beauty of the Altindere Valley. It is perched on a small ledge halfway up a high rock face in northern Turkey. The huge structure, which was founded by two Athenian monks around the year 386AD, is home to multiple chapels, a sacred spring, and numerous monks’ cells.
It is dedicated to Mary, the Virgin. The centrepiece, without a question, is the spectacular rock-hewn church, which is covered in vibrant, centuries-old murals. Sumela Monastery is a very important and impressive historical and cultural site that is protected and kept as a museum by the Turkish government. It is only accessible by climbing up many long and curving stone steps. Also read Breakfast Near Me.
8: Tatev Monastery – Armenia
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Tatev Monastery, perched high on the edge of a plateau in Armenia’s southeast, with a commanding view of the deep ravine below. The Armenian Apostolic monastery, built in the 9th century, once controlled over much of the surrounding territory and amassed immense wealth and influence.
Its magnificent frescoes and superb architecture bear witness to this. The complex’s three heavenly churches are surrounded by sturdy towers, exquisite libraries, and vast dining rooms. The Wings of Tatev cable-car, which offers spectacular views over the gorgeous gorge below, may take you to the major historical, cultural, and religious landmark.
9: Mount Athos – Greece
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Mount Athos is one of the most prominent centers of Eastern Orthodox monasticism, with not one but twenty monasteries. It is located in Greece’s northeast. The peninsula on which it sits is only accessible by boat, and only men are allowed to visit its steep, forested slopes and secluded monasteries, earning it the nickname “Holy Mountain.”
Monks have lived on the peninsula since Byzantine times. All of the Athonite monasteries have outstanding antiques and artwork, as well as beautiful old architecture. Hiking between monasteries, attending religious services, and experiencing the centuries-old monastic way of life are all available to visitors to Mount Athos.
10: Dhankar Gompa – India
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Dhankar Gompa is a magnificent site atop a rocky spur overlooking the point where the Spiti and Pin Rivers meet, high in the Himalayas in India’s far north. The fort monastery is located immediately above the settlement of Dhankar, which was previously the capital of the Spiti Valley Kingdom, and is surrounded by notable peaks and lunar-like scenery.
The whitewashed walls of the monastery, which is thought to be over a thousand years old, are home to some exquisite courtyards and ceremonial rooms, with its beautiful statue of Vairocana being one of the main highlights. It also has breathtaking views of the valley, rivers, and mountains that surround it.