Mount Athos


Mount Athos, located in the northeast of Greece, is a significant center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. Known as the ‘Holy Mountain’, this peninsula can only be reached by boat and is restricted to male visitors. Since the Byzantine era, monks have inhabited the area, with the Athonite monasteries housing remarkable artifacts, artworks, and ancient architecture. Visitors to Mount Athos can hike between monasteries, participate in religious services, and immerse themselves in the traditional monastic lifestyle that has been preserved for centuries.

St. George Monastery

Located on the islet of Ostrvo Sveti Dorde in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor, St. George Monastery was established in the 12th century. This Benedictine monastery is surrounded by the sparkling waters of the bay and is home to a small church, priory, and beautiful cypress trees. Despite being uninhabited for centuries and used as a cemetery, it has gained the eerie nickname of the island of the dead. While tourists are not permitted to visit, St. George Monastery is a stunning sight to behold during a boat trip around the Bay of Kotor, one of Montenegro's most picturesque natural attractions.

Hanging Monastery

Perched on the side of a steep cliff, the Hanging Monastery seems to defy gravity, hanging some 30 meters above the ground. Situated in Shanxi Province, this temple is unique in China as it incorporates elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Constructed over 1,500 years ago, the monastery is a remarkable feat of engineering, featuring over 40 halls and pavilions adorned with exquisite artworks, sculptures, and architecture. Nestled in a secluded canyon basin, the Hanging Monastery offers stunning views of a picturesque gorge, with Mount Heng visible in the distance.

Phugtal Gompa

Phugtal Gompa, located in the Lungnak Valley in the Himalayas, is one of the most isolated monasteries in the world. Situated on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Lungnak River, this Buddhist monastery can only be reached by foot in the disputed Ladakh region of Kashmir in northern India.

Constructed around a natural cave, the monastery has a history dating back approximately six hundred years, with a long-standing reputation for attracting sages, scholars, and monks. Despite its stunning location, Phugtal Gompa remains true to its centuries-old customs and traditions, housing a monastic school and hosting religious festivals throughout the year.

Ostrog Monastery

Located in the heart of Montenegro, Ostrog Monastery is a significant pilgrimage destination known for its stunning location atop a steep cliff. Founded in the 17th century by Vasilije, the monastery is a part of the Serbian Orthodox Church and is home to the relics of Saint Basil of Ostrog. Visitors from various religious backgrounds come to pray at the monastery in the hopes of healing their ailments. In addition to its religious significance, Ostrog Monastery offers breathtaking views of the Bjeloplavlici plain and features impressive frescoes and architecture.

Key Monastery

Key Monastery is located in the picturesque and secluded Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, in the northern part of India, nestled high in the Himalayas. Situated on a hill at an elevation of 4,166 meters, this Tibetan Buddhist monastery offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and majestic mountains.

Thought to have been established in the 11th century, the monastery's whitewashed structures showcase remarkable architecture, ancient murals, and vibrant wall paintings. Continuing to serve its purpose, Key Monastery serves as a significant training hub for Lamas, accommodating numerous monks year-round.

Meteora

The complex of Eastern Orthodox monasteries known as Meteora is second only to Mount Athos in terms of importance. These monasteries, built on top of towering rock columns, are a famous and picturesque sight in Greece. From their elevated positions, they overlook the Plain of Thessaly.

Originally, there were 24 monasteries in total, but now only six are still functioning. These monasteries house chapels, churches, caves, as well as ancient religious treasures and stunning frescoes. To visit the magnificent monasteries of Meteora, visitors must climb numerous stone steps that have been carved into the rock. Along these narrow paths, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful landscapes below.