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The best medieval monasteries in the world are living testament to history, faith and stunning architecture. The Monastery of Alcobaça in Portugal, with its grand Gothic design, reflects centuries of devotion. Bulgaria’s Rila Monastery, nestled in the mountains, stun visitors with its colourful frescoes and rich heritage. These sacred sites, along with others across the world, once served as centres of learning, prayer and solitude. Built on mountains, hidden in valleys or standing majestically in cities, they transport travellers to a time of deep spirituality.
Top 10 Medieval Monasteries
Experience a blend of history and faith with our comprehensive list of the 10 best medieval monasteries to visit in the world:
1. Monastery Of Alcobaça
Photo: Alvesgaspar / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in the 12th century by King Afonso I, the Monastery of Alcobaça is a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic architecture. Its size and purity of style reflect the ideals of the order. The monastery played a significant role in medieval Portugal, serving as a centre for religious study and royal ceremonies. Notably, it houses the tombs of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, whose tragic love story is legendary in Portuguese history.
Location: Alcobaça, Portugal
Nearest Airport: Lisbon Portela Airport (approximately 100 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Nazaré, about 10 km away
2. Sevanavank Monastery
Photo: Անժի92 / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 874 AD, Sevanavank Monastery is situated on a peninsula at Lake Sevan. Originally, the monastery was located on an island, but due to the artificial draining of the lake, it transformed into a peninsula. The complex comprises two churches, Surb Arakelots (Holy Apostles) and Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God). Both of them were constructed from black tuff, giving them a distinctive appearance.
Location: Sevan Peninsula, Armenia
Nearest Airport: Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan (approximately 65 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Sevan Railway Station, provides regional connections
3. Rila Monastery
Photo: Pudelek (Marcin Szala) / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in the 10th century by St. John of Rila, Rila Monastery is Bulgaria’s largest and most renowned Eastern Orthodox monastery. It has been a spiritual and cultural centre for over a millennium. It played a crucial role during the Bulgarian National Revival. The monastery complex includes the main church, adorned with vibrant frescoes, a five-domed structure and a 24-meter high tower built in 1335.
Location: Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
Nearest Airport: Sofia Airport (approximately 120 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Blagoevgrad Railway Station, about 50 km
4. Sumela Monastery
Photo: Rotadefterim / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the Pontic Mountains, Sumela Monastery dates back to the 4th century. It is renowned for its cliffside location and rich history. The monastery complex includes the Rock Church, several chapels, kitchens, student rooms, a guesthouse, a library, and a sacred spring revered by Eastern Orthodox Christians. The inner and outer walls of the Rock Church are adorned with frescoes depicting biblical scenes.
Location: Trabzon Province, Turkey
Nearest Airport: Trabzon Airport (approximately 50 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: No nearby railway station; access is primarily by road
5. Abbey Of Bobbio
Photo: Davide Papalini / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 614 by the Irish monk Saint Columbanus, the Abbey of Bobbio became a significant centre of learning during the Middle Ages. Its library, initiated with manuscripts brought by Columbanus, grew into one of Europe’s most renowned collections. The abbey played a pivotal role in preserving religious and classical texts, influencing cultural and intellectual life across the continent. Architecturally, the complex showcases a blend of styles, reflecting its evolution over the centuries.
Location: Bobbio, Italy
Nearest Airport: Milan Linate Airport (approximately 100 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Piacenza Railway Station, about 40 km
6. Geghard Monastery
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in the 4th century by Gregory the Illuminator, Geghard Monastery is renowned for its rock-cut architecture and historical significance. The complex includes several churches and tombs, many of which are entirely hewn from the mountain rock, showcasing medieval Armenian architectural mastery. The name was originally Ayrivank, meaning “Monastery of the Cave,” but later it was changed to Geghard, or “Monastery of the Spear”. It has a reference to the spear that allegedly pierced Christ’s side during the crucifixion, once housed there.
Location: Kotayk Province, Armenia
Nearest Airport: Zvartnots International Airport, Yerevan (approximately 40 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: No direct railway station nearby; access is primarily by road
7. Holy Monastery Of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas
Photo: Takeaway / Wikimedia Commons
Perched atop a narrow rock pillar, the Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas is one of the six active monasteries in the Meteora complex. Established in the early 16th century, it is renowned for its compact design, necessitated by the limited surface area of the rock. The monastery’s katholikon (main church) depicts vivid biblical scenes in frescoes. This is by the celebrated Cretan painter Theophanes Strelitzas, depicting vivid biblical scenes.
Location: Meteora, Greece
Nearest Airport: Thessaloniki Airport (approximately 225 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Kalambaka Railway Station, around 3 km
8. Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
Photo: Jorge Láscar from Australia / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1051, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is also known as the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves. It is a historic Orthodox Christian monastery that has played a pivotal role in the spiritual and cultural life of Eastern Europe. The complex encompasses numerous churches, bell towers, and subterranean cave systems that served as monastic cells and burial sites for revered saints. Architecturally, the Lavra showcases a blend of Byzantine and Baroque styles, reflecting its evolution over the centuries.
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Nearest Airport: Boryspil International Airport (approximately 35 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Kyiv-Pasazhyrskyi Railway Station, about 7 km away
9. Mar Saba Monastery
Photo: Godot13 / Wikimedia Commons
Established in 483 AD by Saint Sabbas, Mar Saba Monastery is among the oldest continuously inhabited monasteries worldwide. Perched on the cliffs of the Kidron Valley in the Judean Desert, it showcases classic Byzantine monastic architecture. Historically, the monastery has been a centre for theological study, influencing the Byzantine Church doctrine. Notable figures such as John of Damascus resided here. Traditionally, women are not permitted to enter the main compound but can view the monastery from the Women’s Tower near the entrance.
Location: Judean Desert, West Bank
Nearest Airport: Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv (approximately 70 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Jerusalem, about 25 km away
10. Monastery Of Santa Maria De Las Cuevas
Photo: Iantomferry / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in the 15th century, the Monastery of Santa Maria de las Cuevas is known as La Cartuja. It is situated on Seville’s Isla de La Cartuja. Originally established by Carthusian monks, the monastery has undergone various transformations over the centuries. In the 19th century, the Englishman Charles Pickman repurposed it as a ceramics factory. This led to the renowned “La Cartuja de Sevilla” pottery brand.
Location: Seville, Spain
Nearest Airport: Seville Airport (approximately 12 km away)
Nearest Railway Station: Sevilla-Santa Justa Railway Station, about 5 km away
Medieval monasteries stand as timeless symbols of history, faith, and architectural brilliance. These sacred sites, nestled in breathtaking landscapes, offer a glimpse into centuries-old traditions and spiritual devotion. From the stunning carvings of Geghard to the cliffside wonder of Sumela Monastery, each destination tells a unique story. Whether you’re drawn by their rich heritage or the peaceful retreats they provide, these monasteries promise an unforgettable journey. Plan your visit with TripXL and step into the past, where medieval monasteries continue to inspire travellers today.
Cover Photo: Ravi Sarma / Wikimedia Commons
