Monasteries

This 13th-century monastery chiseled into the side of a mountain is equipped with a bridge that can be lifted to protect against raids.

This small hermitage on Mount Scalambra was built near what some believe is the miraculous imprint of Saint Benedict's hand.

This 7th-century monastery was sacked by Saladin.

This former monastery is still a revered religious site.

A holy well believed to have healing powers.

This 11th-century Greek monastery has renowned mosaics and relics of a brutal past.

This ancient abbey now lies in majestic ruin behind a caravan park.

This 16th-century monastery was founded to cloister the daughters of wealthy local families.

Crossing a suspension bridge above a forest is the only way to reach this 12th-century monastery.

The history of Mar Behnam Monastery is that of violence, intolerance, resiliency, and spirituality.

In the Monastery of São Vicente resides a gallery devoted to a breathtaking collection of seashells.

This Buddhist monastery once housed an image of Buddha containing a 19-carat diamond.

This beautiful medieval Serbian monastery is home to frescoes, peculiar sculptures, and historical curiosities.

Once the site of a 12-century monastery, this tiny island is now home to only five permanent residents.

This mesmerizing medieval monastery-cave complex sits thousands of feet above ground overlooking a valley.

When occupying Nazi troops detonated a mine below, medieval frescoes were revealed in this small cliff-side hermitage.

During World War II, the Shroud of Turin was secreted to this remote southern Italian complex.

One of the four sanctuaries of Rieti's Holy Valley was the site of the first living nativity scene.