Buzz
They say love can weigh heavily on the heart. If that's true, then divine love must also take a toll on the body. This is evident when you consider these monasteries. Not only are these 10 structures perfect for heavenly worship, but they are also incredibly challenging to reach. “Inaccessible” barely scratches the surface.
10. Ostrog Monastery, Montenegro
Perched high on the cliff of Ostroška Greda, this Serbian Orthodox Church is literally carved into the rock. It stands as Montenegro’s most visited pilgrimage site, attracting thousands annually. Established by Vasilije, the Metropolitan Bishop of Herzegovina in the 17th century, his remains are preserved in the cave-church. Many pilgrims believe that praying near Vasilije’s body can heal illnesses or, at the very least, ease life’s burdens.
9. Metéora, Greece
Metéora, which translates to 'suspended in the air,' is perched atop a towering sandstone pillar in Thessaly, central Greece. This Eastern Orthodox monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts one of the most fascinating origin tales. Legend says its founder, St. Athanasius, didn’t scale the cliffs to establish the monastery—he was allegedly carried to the summit by an eagle.
For ordinary visitors, however, reaching the top requires navigating carved steps. Before the 1920s, ropes and pulleys were the primary means of ascent. When the monastery was constructed in the 14th century, builders used ladders and nets to haul materials up the 550-meter (1,800-ft) cliff. The site also gained fame after appearing in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.
8. Ki Monastery, India
Resembling a scene straight out of Lord of the Rings, the Monastery of Ki (also known as 'Ki,' 'Kye,' or 'Kee') is nestled in Ki Village within the Himalayas. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery sits atop a hill at an elevation of 4,166 meters (13,670 ft), offering breathtaking views of the Spiti Valley. Serving as a spiritual training ground for Lamas, it has endured numerous invasions by Mongols and other forces over the centuries.
7. Kozheozersky Monastery
The Kozheozersky Monastery, an Orthodox sanctuary, is situated near Lake Kozhozero in one of the most isolated regions of northwestern Russia. Established in the 16th century, this monastery is among the most challenging places to reach globally, as no roads connect to it.
To visit, travelers must first take a train to Nimenga Station, then secure a ride on a lumber truck along a forest trail (or hike if no vehicle is available), and finally trek the remaining 32 kilometers (20 miles) on foot. Even after this journey, crossing the lake presents another hurdle—visitors must light a fire to signal for a boat from the monastery. With no electricity or Internet, it’s essential to inform others of your plans before embarking on this adventure.
6. Phugtal Gompa, India
Tucked away in the secluded southeastern Zanskar region of the Himalayas, Phugtal Gompa is carved into the cliffside of a vast gorge, standing 3,800 meters (12,500 ft) above sea level. This remarkable monastery, housing around 70 monks, was founded in the 12th century by Lama Gangsem Sherap Sampo. Despite being constructed from mud bricks, stones, and wood, it has remarkably endured for centuries.
5. Paro Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan
Perched dramatically on a 3,000-meter (9,800-ft) cliff in Bhutan’s Paro Valley, the “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery is a breathtaking sight. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, regarded as the second Buddha, arrived here on the back of a tigress, later meditating in a cave now enclosed within the monastery. Established in 1692 and restored in 1998, this sacred Buddhist retreat is accessible only by foot or mule, and entry is restricted to practicing Buddhists.
4. Xuan Kong Monastery, China
Nestled in China’s Shanxi province, the “Hanging Temple” clings to a cliff overlooking Mount Heng. Despite its fragile appearance, supported by slender stilts, this monastery has withstood numerous earthquakes, a testament to either divine favor or exceptional engineering.
The temple’s interior is equally remarkable, with halls and rooms seamlessly following the cliff’s rugged contours. Built over 1,400 years ago, it stands as a marvel of both durability and design. Its longevity is attributed to beams anchored deep into the rock, forming the foundation for this architectural wonder.
3. St. George Monastery, Israel
Situated in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories, St. George Monastery is a sixth-century Christian sanctuary perched precariously on a cliff edge. Accessible via a pedestrian bridge over the Wadi Qelt, some believe this valley is the 'Valley of the Shadow' referenced in Psalm 23 of the Old Testament.
The monastery stands near a cave revered by fourth-century monks for its profound spiritual significance—they believed it was where the prophet Elijah was sustained by ravens. However, its history is marked by tragedy; Persian invaders slaughtered all 14 resident monks shortly after its construction. Their remains, including bones and skulls, are still preserved within the monastery’s sacred walls.
2. Popa Taungkalat Monastery, Myanmar
Visitors to Popa Taungkalat Monastery often find themselves literally above the clouds. Perched 737 meters (2,400 ft) up a steep cliff, this monastery boasts an even more astonishing feature—it overlooks a dormant volcano. While the volcano is inactive today, its status during the monastery’s construction remains a mystery. A revered Buddhist pilgrimage site, it is home to 37 Mahagiri Nats, spirits of those who met violent deaths. Reaching the monastery requires climbing 777 steps, and visitors should beware of mischievous macaques eager to snatch their food.
1. Sümela Monastery, Turkey
Sümela Monastery, a 1,600-year-old Orthodox sanctuary, is carved into a cliff 1,200 meters (3,900 ft) above Turkey’s Altindere Valley. Accessible via a winding stone staircase through a lush forest, it was abandoned in the 1920s but now serves as a museum and tourist hotspot. In 2010, an Orthodox Mass was held here for the first time in decades. The monastery features several chapels, a kitchen, and the iconic Rock Church, adding to its historical and architectural allure.
