Monasteries are religious sites, mostly full of beauty and peace. But some might call your real architectural gems, especially when almshouses in breathtaking locations are located. I have decided to make a list of
Top 10 most beautiful monasteries in the world.
Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
The Rila Monastery is an expression of the Slavic culture after a long oppression by the Turks. The monastery in the 10th century was founded by followers of a hermit who went to the inhospitable Rila Mountains. His grave is an attraction for many pilgrims who visit the monastery annually. The beautiful location at 1147 meters altitude, the characteristic lines and the countless frescoes concerns inside and outside make the Rila Monastery on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
Hole Monastery in Kiev, Ukraine
Very nice typical to this monastery, the golden roofs round with crosses on it. This monastery is one of the four most important religious centers of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was founded in 1051 by monks Anthony and Theodosius. Already in 1900, this magnificent building was declared a World Heritage Site. There is an underground tunnel system of up to 30 km where chapels and prayer rooms are located. Here the monks are buried. Due to the low temperature in the underground passages, they become a sort of mummy. Special! Part of this monastery is open to visitors.
Taung Kalat, Myanmar
On Mount Popa (former volcano) is the Taung Kalat monastery, a center of Buddhism. You have to climb up 777 stairs to (to 737 meters), before you get to this architectural marvel at the sheer rock walls. For the Burmese people's Taung Kalat and Mount Popa the center of the worship of the "nats", the ghosts of the animistic belief that exists along with their Buddhist beliefs. The main 37 spirits are represented and honored.
Hanging Monastery or Xuankong temple, China
This monastery is a true architectural marvel in China. It really dramatic look. This building was built on a cliff (75 meters) near Datong in Shanxi Province. The complex is about 1500 years old. Unique to this place is that three traditional religions are combined; Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Prasat Sut Ja-Tum or the Monastery of Truth, Pattaya, Thailand
A visionary structure, made entirely of wood (even without metal nails). This place is a religious and cultural monument with a beautiful view of the ocean. The four wings are devoted to the Thai, Khmer, Chinese and Indian religious icons. The complex was developed by the Thai millionaire Lek Viriyaphant. It is still being worked on.
Meteora Monastery, Greece
Meteora are high rock pillars built monasteries. The wind and water erosion of the rocks got their specific weathered look. Meteora monasteries are considered one of the most important places of the Greek Orthodox Church. It is located high on the rocks, about 400 meters. This monastic community was founded in the 15th century by a monk Dometius. The treasury was plundered by German soldiers in World War II.
Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
In Normandy, there is a place where it is always full of tourists, Mont Saint-Michel. The monastery is situated on a small rocky island in the bay at the mouth of the Couesnon. The religious community was founded around 700 after Christ. When the archangel Michael would have appeared in a vision of a church on a rock. Originally this was a tidal island at low tide so you walked to the monastery. Today there is a bridge built to make it easy for the tourists. In 1973, the Mont Saint-Michel was declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
Sumela Monastery, Turkey
This monastery stands against a rock wall in the Ziganagebergte near Trabzon. This popular tourist attraction located at 1200 meters altitude and today it is a museum, not a religious place anymore. The monastery was founded in 386 AD. The rock church is really worth visiting. This is completely covered with frescoes. Also enjoy the breathtaking view. The place is a real attraction for pilgrims, but also for hikers because of the untouched nature in this region.
Taktsang, Bhutan
This monastery has been beautifully nestled at 3120 meters altitude in the mountains of Bhutan. This Buddhist monastery is also called the "tiger's nest 'with seven temples. You can just walk to matter. With luck, you will find a donkey that brings you to the top. Along the way you can relax in the various places of worship.
Ganden Monastery Kora, Lhasa Tibet
The Ganden monastery on the top of the mountain Wangbur we cry out to the most beautiful monastery in the world! It is one of the three-Gelug monastic universities of Tibet. Beautifully located at an altitude of 4300 meters, this monastery was originally founded in 1409. Not to be missed are the major chapels with large Buddha statues, the tomb of Tsongkhapa, the meeting room and the chapel where Tsongkhapa lesson given.
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