famous monasteries in europe


It was founded in the XIIIth century by King Louis IX, also known as Saint Louis. Through all of this, the faith has remained, and the miraculous image, a Romanesque Madonna has survived. Gttweig Abbey also functions as a restaurant serving featured regional cuisine. Royal Monastery of Santa Mara de Guadalupe, Extremadura, Santa Mara de Montserrat monastery, Catalonia, Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, Madrid Region, Royal Monastery of San Juan de la Pea, Aragn. As a history lover and former Catholic, I adore visiting Catholic monasteries for their history, art, and architecture.

Above all, its lovely cloister stands out, where you can immerse yourself in the peace of another world, and see different stages in the life of Christ depicted on each of its capitals. If you are visiting in mid-June, dont forget to check out Portugals biggest celebration: Lisbon Sardine Festival to honor St. Anthony, Lisbons patron saint. It is the venue of many delightful music concerts and also invites visitors to join a wine tasting tour.

At Pluscarden Abbey, no imagination is needed and it feels like you have stepped back through the centuries. In terms of style, here you have a comprehensive overview of the history of art, as although the architecture is mostly Gothic, you'll also find Mudejar, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The lower half was restored by painting although this is often denounced as communist vandalism, it seems that it was genuinely impossible to restore it as mosaic. Prepare for your trip in advance with our useful information on entrance requirements, money, safety, healthcare, opening times, etc. [1], List of Christian religious houses in France, List of monastic houses in the Republic of Ireland, Abbey of the Holy Spirit at Monte Morrone, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Scurcola Marsicana, Santa Mara la Real de Las Huelgas Monastery, List of Catholic monasteries and convents in Sweden, List of Christian monasteries in Switzerland, List of monastic houses on the Isle of Man, List of monastic houses in Northern Ireland, Canonesses of St. Augustine of the Mercy of Jesus, Monastery of Our Lady of the Annunciation of Clear Creek, Lists of Christian buildings and structures, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_abbeys_and_priories&oldid=1078956054, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2016, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 24 March 2022, at 06:06.

Between the spans of arcature and on the portals and cornices are depicted a variety of birds and animals as well as floral and geometrical patterns.The southern faade is particularly interesting. While researching where to head next, I decided to ask some of my favorite travel bloggers to share their favorite Catholic monasteries around the world.

The abbeys guesthouse has 13 single rooms and 14 doubles room available to visitors.

The Benedictine monastery at Montserrat has been around since the 9th century when it was built into the side of the mountain, around its sacred statue of the Black Madonna. One that is worth a visit is just down the hill from the Rock of Cashel in Ireland. Known as simply The Friars, this priory resides 35 miles outside of London. The church is a single nave construction of which the roof is coated in golden floral motifs with walls entirely covered by paintings and sculptures of saints. Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday. The congregation, unfortunately, closed in 2017, but the abbey has continued to be preserved as a spiritual place. The ensemble, which exhibits a seamless blend of Carolingian, Ottonian, and Salian architectural styles, and boasts superb wall paintings and illuminations, is a superb example of the artistic genius of medieval times. They are architectural wonders basking in culture, and witnesses of the countrys glorious past. With our digital brochures and guides, you will be able to discover the best of our cuisine, culture and fiestas. List of abbeys and priories is a link list for any abbey or priory. The gorgeous German romanesque building of Maria Laach Abbey is lapped by the crater lake of Laacher See. You are not online. Andrew Villone | Savor the Experience Tours, I get a lot more churched-out than monasteried-out on my travels.

The early 12th-century Eberbach Abbey by the Rhine River is a splendid building exhibiting romanesque and early gothic styles of architecture.

It provides guest lounges and conference rooms to accommodate large group visits. Cabins containing 49 beds are available for youth camps. They felt that theBenedictines had become too worldly and tried to return to more austerity. After the great fire of 1833 the Ottoman sultan allowed the rebuilding of the monastery, and plentiful financial donations from the people, together with the gifts of time and skills by many great artists and craftsmen, resulted in the splendid building we see now. Located in the canton of Schwyz in Switzerland, the Einsiedeln Abbey is dedicated to Our Lady of the Hermits and is named after a Saint Meinrad, a hermit, who was the first inhabitant of the region.

Hrelyos Tower is the oldest of the buildings visible today and was built in 1335. The main church building at the monastery contains an absolute treasure trove of Carolingian-era religious artwork that may have been ordered or inspired by the great king Charlemagne himself. TheCistercians started in France in1098 near Dijon.

The stunning baroque monastery with its soaring towers, massive hallways, intricate murals, and a library containing 75,000 rare medieval publications never fails to fascinate visitors. For road trips and ground transportation, rent a car through Discover Cars. The paintings inside are in excellent condition, and depict scenes from both the Old and New Testaments, the youth, life and Passion of Jesus Christ, the Last Judgement, and the execution of John the Baptist. Credit. Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viator.

One understands why this location was chosen. Its little wonder that the site was added to UNESCOs World Heritage list in 1983, with UNESCO calling itSwitzerlands greatest series of figurative murals, painted c. A.D. 800. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. There are lecture rooms with media capabilities that can hold groups of 15-40 people. Having been built in place around the immovable statue, Montserrats mountaintop location is truly unique and almost mystical as it appears to be part of the mountain itself.

An amateur historian and travel enthusiast, I travel around the world full-time visiting historic sites: hidden chapels, Communist monuments, ancient cities, religious relics, national parks, or any place that is beautiful, interesting, or weird. The ornate building has been restored to a fully working monastery and visitors are welcome to look around, attend Mass in Gregorian Chant or stay for a longer retreat. Access to the site is tightly controlled in small ticketed groups, available on-site only. Daily Masses in French, Latin, and Gregorian chant are hosted in the chapel.

Taking travel seriously since 1974. Restaurant services are also offered to guests with water and/or wine included with meals. Whats your favorite Catholic monastery?

All over the British Islands are ruins of monasteries. This enormous and very beautiful monastery is where the remains of the most important Spanish kings of medieval times of are to be found. German romanesque building of Maria Laach Abbey is lapped by the crater lake of Laacher See. Here, youll be able to enjoy the impeccable Romanesque architecture, the beautiful capitals in the cloister, and the Panten Real, where the monarchs of Aragn and Navarra were buried for more than five centuries. The monastery includes group accommodation with 2 bedrooms with 16 beds each and then a single room or twin bedroom. The guesthouse is run by an order of Benedictine Sisters, who are officially known as the Adorers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Montmartre, OSB. In historic tradition, the monks keep their own bees and visitors should pop in to the shop to pick up fresh honeycomb or soap and balms handmade from beeswax. With spiritual and faith-based trips growing in popularity, Europe provides many monasteries to fulfill ones desire for spiritual growth and rejuvenation. Khor Virap Near the border with Turkey, Armenia. It offers guesthouses and large dormitories with 18-46 beds, plus multi-purpose rooms for meetings, meals and other activities. The monastery welcomes church retreats, training sessions and school trips. It was built on the orders of King Philip II, whose intention was to create an impressive monument to himself that would stand tall long after his death. Klosterhof 5, 75433 Maulbronn, Germany, +49 7043 926610, Maulbronn Monastery Complex | PixelDino / Pixabay. His successor, Bishop Ter-Hovhannes, built the main church, dedicated to Sts Paul and Peter between 895 and 906.

TheJernimosMonastery and Belm districtare definitelymust visits for visitors to Lisbon. Dedicated to silence and reflection, the monks observe a 21-hour general silence. There are no other obligations; additional activities can be arranged as desired. The 850-year-old Maulbronn Monastery Complex is among the best-preserved monasteries in Europe, and is a rare harmony of multiple architectural styles, including late gothic and romanesque. Inside, the original cloister, monks refectory, and the kitchens are really beautiful spaces.

About 80 monks and 60 nuns make up the monastic community. Burnt by the Turks in 1510, and again by the Lesghians in 1579, it was restored, then closed under communism, and reopened in 1988. We cant find a country that matches your search.

The day is structured by the eating schedule and respect for the tranquil environment.

It has some of the most beautiful stained glass windows that Ive seen and no matter what belief you hold, Pluscarden Abbey is a peaceful place for reflection while the community of resident monks go quietly about their daily routine. On the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000,Geghard(Spear) Monastery, with its dramatic gorge setting, is unique among other Armenian monasteries in that one side is built into thecliff face. Contributed by Roxanna from Gypsy with a Day Job. Ironically, because these majestic structures were funded by the wealth and new money of the New World, they are now also viewed as symbols of New World exploitation. Here is our selection of six of the best monasteries in Europe. Maybe its because the entire complex is walled but more likely because its of the Carthusian Order where monks are not allowed to talk. It is a popular destination on Sept. 24 when the shrine celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. The Hermit Benedictines who reside at the abbey are characterized by their incredible diversity in personality and talents as well as for their work in many different areas including pilgrimage, parish pastoral care, and the grammar school.

All are incredibly beautiful and were built in what's known as Herrerian style, named after the architect Juan de Herrera. Later, it was used as a monastery, a textile factory, a village and a novitiate. Maria Laach, 56653 Glees, Germany, +49 2652 590. Once there, the panorama is stunning. Its impressive cathedral from the 11th century was the highest religious building in Georgia until just recently, and it boasts a spectacular backdrop with the Caucasus mountains. The beautiful Baroque Iglesia de Santa Clara was the church of the convent of the Poor Clare Sisters in the center of colonial Bogota this is one of the citys oldest and most decorated churches and definitely worth paying a visit if you travel to Bogota.

The abbey church has a stunning baroque interior. The sprawling structure of Ettal Abbey resembles a castle more than an abbey, and visitors flock to the 14th-century building to see its jaw-dropping baroque interior. Two beautiful and historically significant Catholic monasteries in Switzerland are Saint-Maurice (in the town of the same name) and Grand Saint-Bernard at the height of the pass. But my number one favorite thing about monasteries is that the best ones are far off the beaten pathsometimes hidden and many times built in a perfect location, as if those who created it knew that someday wed all need a beautiful panoramic view to contemplate the meaning of our existence. It was founded in the 13th century after a statue of the Virgin Mary was discovered on the site by a Moorish shepherd. Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest abbey in Bavaria (built in 600) enjoys an unparalleled location on an edge of the Danube peninsula, close to the imposing Arzberg mountain range. Schloss Corvey 37671 Hxter, Germany, +49 (0) 5271 69 40 10.

Together withthe nearby Tower ofBelm, theJernimosMonastery became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Furthermore, the unusual geology of the mountain has made it into a place full of magic and legends, such as the appearance of the virgin of Montserrat in the year 880, which led to the construction of the monastery. If you go, be sure to look for the Round Tower, the Priests House, and St. Kevins Church (commonly called St. Kevins Kitchen) as these are some of the most impressive remains. The monastery is surrounded by forest and farmland conducive to walks; visitors also have access to the monastery gardens. Contributed by Joel from World Heritage Journey. Thanks to its royal guest, the abbey was rich and very renowned. The highlights of this beautiful UNESCO site are the grand entrance hall and the Fountain House, a building with a three-level fountain that was used by the monks for rituals.