Why Monasteries Should Be Part Of Your Travel Itinerary - WITH VIDEO

Switzerland's Mariastein Monastery: Echoes of the past and discovery for the future. And to think one might dismiss this as “just another church.”

From grand to humble, new or ancient, monasteries worldwide are extraordinary places of worship and community. Often off the beaten path, they are well worth including in your next local and international travel itinerary. Over the years, I have hiked formidable trails, navigated back roads, and walked miles under the Mediterranean sun—and misty Irish sky—to visit monasteries. I’ve spent extended weekends of silence in the hills above San Diego, California, with minimalistic accommodations, praying and meditating while absorbing the haunting tones of monks chanting their melodic worship. 

For art, history, and architecture enthusiasts, monasteries provide a glimpse into the