Escapists. The Most Remote Monasteries and Temples in the World
Taung Kalat, Myanmar
One of the most remote religious sites in the world is the beautiful Taung Kalat monastery in Myanmar. It was built relatively recently, in the late 19th century. The monastery was founded on Taung Kalat mountain being the old extinct volcano. The last eruption of this volcano occurred in the 5th century BC; in fact, the monastery was built in the crater, which makes it even more unique.
Taung Kalat is 737 meters high. Visitors have to overcome a long and steep staircase of 777 steps to get to the top. Given that it was constructed on almost sheer mountainside, climbing requires really good physical training. The initial portion of the stairs is rather wide and made of stone; gradually stairs become narrower and more tangible with each step.
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Sumela monastery, Turkey
Sumela monastery, Turkey
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Turkey or more exactly Atindere valley can boast one of the oldest temples in the world, Sumela Monastery. Unique in all respects, this monastery was carved in the slope of the Black Mountain at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level. According to the legend, monks from Athens called Barnabas and Sophronius were founders of this Christian monastery. They have found an icon of the Virgin Mary in one of the local caves and in 386AD the monastery was founded on that site. The hard-to-get monastery looks fascinating; it seems that it was literally built in the rock. Complete article
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Hanging Heng mountain temple, China
Hanging Heng mountain temple, China
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The name of the temple located on Mount Heng in China fully describes its main distinguishing feature. This amazing temple was founded more than 1500 years ago. It’s located on the steep slope of the mountain and literally hangs over a gorge at a height of about 75 meters. According to one of the beautiful legends, a Buddhist hermit has begun its construction. Hundreds of years later, his work was continued by other admirers of Buddhism and Taoism, but the scope of primary work seems simply unbelievable. The modern Hanging Heng mountain temple is an impressive architectural complex comprising of more than 40 halls and rooms connected by paved stairs and tunnels in the rock. Complete article
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Meteora, Greece
Meteora, Greece
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Amazing Meteora monasteries are among the most striking sights in Greece. They owe their name to Greek word ‘meteor’ that can be translated as ‘floating in the air’. The name succinctly and clearly describes the feature of these religious structures. Currently, the complex includes six active Orthodox monasteries located on the cliff tops. Complete article
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Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
Paro Taktsang, Bhutan
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Many travelers go to Bhutan in search of unique Buddhist monasteries. This tiny state features hard-to-get Paro Taktsang monastery. Its name can be translated as ‘Tiger's Lair.’ The monastery is situated on a steep slope of rocks, it’s about 700 meters above the earth. According to historical records, the monastery was founded in 1692, but the very first monks have settled in these areas much earlier. Complete article
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The Temple Of Donators, Ukraine
The Temple Of Donators, Ukraine
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The Temple of Donators is one of the most important sights of the Crimea. It’s located in an incredibly beautiful place, in one of the caves of Eski-Kerman mountains. It’s incredibly difficult to find this amazing cave storing priceless religious artifacts. Travelers are advised to go sightseeing with an experienced guide, otherwise there would be a great risk of getting lost in the maze of insurmountable mountains and dense forests. Main features of the ancient cave temple are primeval murals; according to scientists, they were painted in the 12th century. Complete article
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The Monastery of Mar Saba, Israel
The Monastery of Mar Saba, Israel
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There is the Orthodox monastery of Mar Saba In Israel, near Jerusalem. The shrine is known to many travelers as the Great Lavra of St. Sabbas the Sanctified. In appearance it resembles a powerful medieval fortress. The monastery was named after its founder and was laid in this place in the 5th century. An amazing legend tells that in search of solitude Sabbas the Sanctified has found a cave, where he spent several years. A few years later, a small church was built near the cave. After that, devotees and followers of a hermit began to settle there. Complete article
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Monasterio de Montserrat, Spain
Monasterio de Montserrat, Spain
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The amazing monastery of Montserrat located in a mountainous area of the same name is the main religious center of Catalonia. It attracts Catholics from around the world. Hundreds of years ago, a wooden statue of the Madonna has been founded by shepherds in one of the caves. The monastery was laid down around this legendary cave in the early 11th century. It’s incredibly beautiful mountainous area at an altitude of over 720 meters above sea level. Complete article
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Monastero di San Colombano, Italy
Monastero di San Colombano, Italy
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San Colombano can safely be called the most inaccessible monastery of Italy. It was founded almost 700 years ago, in 1319. The temple can be found in the picturesque province of Trento, or rather, in Piano delle Fugazze. The monastery carved into the cliff looks fascinating. It’s literally locked in the center of the cliff. The monastery is surrounded by incredibly beautiful natural landscapes framed by mature trees. It is more reminiscent of a fairytale mirage than the work of human hands. Complete article
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Dionysiou monastery, Greece
Dionysiou monastery, Greece
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Monasteries of Mount Athos are prominent landmarks of world importance. One of the most famous is Dionysiou monastery. It was founded in the 14th century on top of a steep and incredibly narrow cliff of about 80 meters height. The founder of the monastery was Dionysius the Reverent, who had started to collect funds for the construction of the monastery and has received support from the Emperor Alexius III Comnenus. Complete article
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Monastery the Jail, Montenegro
Monastery the Jail, Montenegro
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Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro is a religious monument unique in all respects. It is one of the few shrines in the world that can be attended by both Muslims and Catholics. The monastery is an incredibly beautiful architectural complex carved in the rocks. Only a few similar structures have survived in the world. The location of the monastery is unique, as it’s literally built in the sheer rock wall and is 840 meters above sea level. The founder of the monastery was Basil, the bishop of Herzegovina; the shrine was founded in the 17th century. Complete article
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Church of Saint Maximus the Confessor, Georgia
Church of Saint Maximus the Confessor, Georgia
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Among the most interesting religious shrines planet the Church of St. Maximus the Confessor in Georgia is certainly worth noting. This is where the Katskhi pillar is situated. Latter is one of the most famous and popular natural attractions in the country. The height of the limestone monolith that was formed millions of years ago is 40 meters. Complete article
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