Monasteries, whether nestled in the Alpine region or lost in isolated islands, are so alluring that visitors from all over the world throng to these holy places, despite their remote locations.

Monasteries are known to be havens of spirituality and serenity, as well as treasure troves of history, culture and also elegant artworks, and manuscripts. Whether they are sitting on the edge of a steep cliff in the Alpine mountains or hidden in some isolated islands, so alluring are they that visitors from all over the world throng to these holy places. Here is a list of some magnificent monasteries that were purposefully constructed in remote areas, some of which are almost impossible to visit!

Tatev Monastery, Armenia 

On the pinnacle of a picturesque basalt plateau overlooking the Vorotan River Gorge, nestles the astonishing Armenian Apostolic Tatev Monastery. Built in the 9th century when it served as a vital spiritual centre, the Gothic yet ethereal architectural marvel of the Tatev Monastery has earned it the title of the ‘Pearl of Southern Armenia’. Visitors to the Tatev Monastery can avail the longest reversible aerial tramway, known as the “Wings of Tatev,” spanning over 5 km with serene views of the gorge and surrounding landscape. The entire complex is made of a number of churches and a swinging column known as Gavazan in Armenian. When an approaching army or earthquake is detected, an 8-metre pillar with a khachkar (cross stone) on top may tilt. One extraordinary aspect of the unique construction is that the entire structure comes back to its original position once the threat is removed.

Katskhi Pillar, Georgia

Travel to Georgia to uncover the secluded serenity of the natural limestone monolith, Katskhi Pillar. Perched atop the rocky wilderness and luscious green of Georgia, a pilgrimage to this church cum monastery is no mean achievement. Atop death-defying cliffs nestles this church-cum-monastery dating back to the 7th century. Over the years, Katskhi Pillar has earned many different names such as ‘Staircase to Heaven’ or the ‘Column of Life’. Georgians fondly call it the Katskhi MetsBItskari, which translates to “the place where the eagle’s nest is.”

St George Monastery, Montenegro

Legends of the sunken treasure from several shipwrecks surround the old town of Perast in Montenegro. Nested by the shimmering waters in the Bay of Kotor, rumour has it that St George Monastery too, is reported to have haunted sightings. The island is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including the mountains and the Adriatic Sea adding to the monastery’s beauty. Its ominous moniker, “the island of the dead,” comes from the fact that it has been abandoned for generations and that it once served as a cemetery.

Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

Six Meteora Monasteries look out to the world perched on faraway lofty cliffs in central Greece. Be it the remote mountainous region,  impressive rock formations or the sandstone peaks against a rich historic backdrop, Meteora remains exclusively charming. These beautiful yet distant monasteries were built during the Middle Ages by monks seeking solitude and seclusion from the world outside. Notwithstanding the remoteness, Byzantine frescoes reminiscent of their beauty and historical significance, intricate carvings and paintings attract visitors from all around the world to this death-defying Greek wonder.

Taung Kalat Monastery, Myanmar

Its remote location makes it all the more charming. Travellers scale a steep 777 staircase to this alluring monastery, situated atop a volcanic plug in Myanmar. With spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside that await travellers along the road, getting to the monastery becomes an adventure in and of itself. The monastery at Taungkalat (meaning ‘Pedestal Hill’) is famed for being home to 37 nats or Burmese spirits, which are represented by statues at the base of the volcanic outcrop.