We’re back again with another group of incredible monasteries. If you thought the first group was breathtaking, you’ll certainly be amazed at the incredible beauty found at each of these new locations.

These monasteries serve not only as religious retreats, but as the homes of hundreds of sisters and monks around the world. They take great care to ensure their grounds are kept in the most immaculate condition possible. Be sure to visit one of these incredible monasteries if you are ever in the area – your hosts will be more than happy to show you around!

Monastery Immaculate Conception – Indiana, USA

At the Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana you’ll find the Sisters of St. Benedict. The Monastery serves as the permanent home to 115 women and provides services to many more, gaining new members at an astounding rate of 3 per year. In an effort to find balance between prayer and work, the sisters serve in a variety of roles both on and off the grounds, including gardening, leading guided tours, teaching in schools, and acting as hospital chaplains.

The Monastery has been nicknamed “Castle on the Hill” and one look at the incredible architecture will lead you to believe you really are visiting a castle. The beautiful grounds feature a historic church, outdoor Stations of the Cross, Rosary Steps, and much more. The Sisters of St. Benedict welcome visitors and are happy to give guided tours, Tuesdays through Fridays, during set hours; otherwise, you’re welcome to explore the grounds on your own!

Namdroling Monastery – Bylakuppe, Tibet

The Namdroling Monastery can be found tucked into the landscape of Bylakuppe, Tibet. Located in the Himalayan Highlands, Bylakuppe is actually the home of 11 separate monasteries. Students who come to study enjoy the peacefulness of the dorms as their young children are free to roam the monastery complex, acting as playfully as children can be expected.

The monastery started out years ago as a single three-story building but has since developed into an entire complex, full of temples, gardens, and even a small monastic college. The elaborate architecture includes ornate walkways, ceremonial gateways, and a number of elaborate tapestries depicting landscape and religious scenes. While it may seem as though the monks here are busy, do not be afraid to ask for assistance while visiting.

Panagia Tou Sinti Monastery – Cyprus

The Panagia Tou Sinti Monastery can be found in the Paphos region of the Medititarian island of Cyprus. Paphos prides itself as the home of several historical monasteries and churches, all hundreds of years old. The monastery is found on the banks of the Xeros River, making it the perfect destination for anyone looking to view or enjoy incredible tranquil landscapes.

Panagia Tou Sinti is an abandoned monastery, but it has been restored to immaculate condition and is maintained on a regular basis. The monastery itself is considered one of the most remarkable buildings left from the Venetian period and has been the proud recipient of the Europa Nostra award because of its incredible conservation.

El Escorial – The Royal Monastery – Spain

El Escorial, also known as The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo El Real, can be found about 30 miles outside of the city of Madrid in Spain. Philip II of Spain was responsible for first asking the architect, Juan Bautista de Toledo, to work with him on the design of the monastery, which was to inevitably mark Spain as the center of the world ? for Christians, at least. You?ll enjoy touring each section, including: the basilica, the Palace of Philip II, the tomb known as the Pantheon of Princes, the Garden of the Friars, and many more!

Find discount Madrid hotels nearby

Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery – Haifa, Israel

Located on the slopes of Mt. Carmel, the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery in Haifa, Israel was originally built in the 19^th century. During the 12^th century Crusades, groups of religious hermits fled to the caves and later formed into the Carmelite order. Throughout the years, the Carmelite order spread across Europe and flourished, eventually leading the original founders back to Mount Carmel where they built the monastery and basilica that stand there today.

The walls of the church at Stella Maris were beautifully constructed of Italian marble, while Brother Luigi Poggi (of the early 20^th century) painted images from the Old Testament on the ornately patterned dome. Visitors will also be intrigued by both Elijah’s Cave and the votive candles burning in honor of Carmelite communities around the globe. There is also a small museum feature exhibits from the original Byzantine church.

Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra ? Kiev, Ukraine

The Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra can be found in Kiev, Ukraine. The massive complex is comprised of not one, but an entire series of incredibly constructed monasteries. They started out as underground caves and grew over the years into the gigantic structures you see today. You won?t be disappointed by the architectural detail and breathtaking sites you are sure to see when you visit.

Mount Koya ? Koyasan, Japan

Mount Koya, in Japan, is well known as being the epicenter of Buddhism, specifically for the Shingon sect, which formed in Japan in the early 800?s. The intricately designed monastery was built first, and the city of Koyasan formed around it as time passed, including a series of 120 temples. Pilgrims are often invited to stay in one of the temples as they complete their religious studies.

Al-Dayr ? Petra, Jordan

The locals know the monastery found in Petra, Jordan as ?Al-Dayr?. After hiking up the site of the mountain, you?ll come across one of the calmest and quietest places in the city of Petra, where you are sure to enjoy music played by the locals as they go about their daily routines. You?ll need to relax once you get there ? the hike to the top takes about an hour and consists of at least 850 stairs. Wear your walking shoes!

Each of these monasteries is held dearly in the hearts of the sisters, monks, and religious individuals who visit and inhabit them each year. Every single one is rich with culture, the history of which can not be destroyed. Be sure to stop and visit one of these incredible monasteries during your next vacation – it will be a visit you never forget!

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8