Most Remote Monasteries on Earth

Hanging Monastery

Built into the side of a sheer cliff, the Hanging Monastery appears to almost miraculously be suspended in midair, some 30 meters above ground. Located in Shanxi Province, the temple is noted for being the only one in China to combine elements of its three traditional religions of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Built more than 1,500 years ago, the monastery is an engineering marvel and boasts more than 40 halls and pavilions, with fine artworks, sculptures, and architecture scattered throughout. Protected from the elements in a small canyon basin, the Hanging Monastery looks out over a gorgeous gorge, with Mount Heng to be spied in the distance.

St. George Monastery

Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro, St. George Monastery lies on the islet of Ostrvo Sveti Dorde, just off the coast of Perast. Founded in the 12th century, the Benedictine monastery is home to a small church and priory, as well as lots of lovely cypress trees.

As it has been uninhabited for centuries and was long used as a cemetery, it has earnt the eerie nickname of the island of the dead. Although tourists are not allowed to visit, St. George Monastery makes for a fine sight when taking a boat trip around the Bay of Kotor – one of Montenegro’s most beautiful natural attractions.

Sümela Monastery

Perched on a narrow ledge halfway up a steep cliff face in northern Turkey, Sumela Monastery lies nestled away in the Pontic Mountains of northern Anatolia looking out over the superb scenery of the Altindere Valley. Founded by two Athenian monks around the year 386AD, the sprawling complex is home to several chapels, a sacred spring, and lots of monks’ cells.

It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The undoubted highlight, however, is its incredible rock-hewn church coated in colorful, centuries-old frescoes. Only accessible by hiking up lots of long and winding stone steps, Sumela Monastery is a very important and impressive historical and cultural site that is protected and preserved by the Turkish government as a museum.

Katskhi Pillar

Rising dramatically above its surroundings, Katskhi Pillar is a natural limestone monolith home to the ruins of an early medieval hermitage. Lying in the west of Georgia, the sheer sides of the rocky outcrop tower to 40 meters. For centuries, its inaccessibility meant that its small church and hermit cells went unvisited.
Long seen as a symbol of the True Cross by locals, the pillar’s ruins were finally restored in the early 2000s when a monk moved in. Although the site is closed to the public, Katskhi Pillar makes for a breathtaking sight; its prominent peak is surrounded by lots of wonderful nature and stands out delightfully against the sky

Mount Athos

As it is home to not one but 20 monasteries, Mount Athos is one of the most important centers of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. It is found in the northeast of Greece. Often referred to as the ‘Holy Mountain’, the peninsula upon which it lies is only accessible by boat, and only men are permitted to visit its steep, forested slopes and remote monasteries.

Since Byzantine times, monks have been living on the peninsula. The Athonite monasteries are all home to impressive artifacts and artworks, with lots of lovely old architecture on show. Visitors to Mount Athos hike between monasteries, take part in religious services and experience the centuries-old monastic way of life.

Debre Damo

Located in the north of Ethiopia, not far from the border with Eritrea, Debre Damo is set in a scenic and secluded spot atop a flat-topped mountain. Remarkably, the monastery is only accessible by scaling a 15-meter high cliff by pulling yourself up a rope; this certainly makes for a memorable experience.

The complex itself is just as impressive; its awe-inspiring Abuna Aregawi church is thought to be the oldest in the country and dates to the sixth century. Still home to monks, Debre Damo boasts amazing Aksumite architecture, age-old manuscripts, and religious treasures. It is one of the Tigray Region’s most unforgettable sights.

Tatev Monastery

Perched high on the edge of a plateau in the southeast of Armenia, Tatev Monastery looks out imperiously over the deep gorge below. Built during the 9th century, the Armenian Apostolic monastery once ruled over much of the surrounding countryside and accrued great riches and power.

This is evident in its fabulous frescoes and exquisite architecture. Sturdy towers, elegant libraries, and large dining halls can be found dotted around the complex’s three divine churches. The important historical, cultural, and religious site can be reached by the Wings of Tatev cable-car which offers unparalleled views over the scenic gorge below.

Dhankar Gompa

Located high in the Himalayas in the far north of India, Dhankar Gompa is set in a spectacular spot atop a rocky spur overlooking the point where the Spiti and Pin Rivers meet. Surrounded by prominent peaks and lunar-like landscapes, the fort monastery lies just above the village of Dhankar, which was once the capital of the Spiti Valley Kingdom.

Believed to be over a thousand years old, the monastery’s whitewashed walls are home to some lovely courtyards and ceremonial halls, with its beautiful statue of Vairocana being one of the main highlights. In addition, it boasts phenomenal views over the valley, rivers, and mountains surrounding it.