Most Remote Monasteries on Earth

09/15/2023

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.

09/15/2023

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.

09/15/2023

Are you already tired of dahlias? LOL. A lady asked, “don’t you have any flowers other than dahlias? I only see dahlias “. Here’s non-dahlia flowers for you, madam, hehehe. Blue delphinium. Probably she’s a new follower. I normally post flowers that are currently blooming in my garden.

09/15/2023

Key Gompa

Key Gompa or Ki Monastery is a thousand year old Tibetan Buddhist monastery located prominently on top of a hill at an altitude of 4,166 meters (13,668 feet) in the Spiti Valley. The village of Kibar below the monastery is said to be the highest village in India.

The monastery has been attacked many times during its long history by Mongol and other armies and was also ravaged by fire and earthquakes. The successive trails of destruction and restorations have resulted in a box-like construction, and the monastery looks like a fort, where temples are built on top of one another.

09/13/2023

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.

09/13/2023

Sunset at Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida.

📸 Sam Cantrell

09/13/2023

09/10/2023

Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
https://www.closetcooking.com/peruvian-grilled-chicken-skewers/

09/10/2023

The nearly full moon rising perfectly into the North Window Arch in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah.

📸 Elliot McGucken

09/06/2023

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.