Imagine sleeping where monks have prayed for over a thousand years, waking to the sound of ancient bells, and walking through corridors that have echoed with the sound of Gregorian chant for centuries. Medieval monasteries have welcomed travelers since the Middle Ages, following the Rule of Saint Benedict, which states, “All who arrive as guests are to be welcomed like Christ.”
Today, this tradition continues at dozens of historic monasteries worldwide. These aren’t just budget accommodations with religious themes—they’re genuine institutions where most are original medieval monasteries, built at a time when clergy was plentiful, religion was pivotal to life, and a noble calling for many monks and nuns.
Many offer surprisingly comfortable stays while maintaining their spiritual atmosphere. Here is a list of 20 medieval monasteries that still welcome guests today, each offering a unique glimpse into centuries of monastic life.
Pluscarden Abbey, Scotland
Located in the hills of northeastern Scotland, with hymns echoing off its gray stone walls, Pluscarden Abbey is the only medieval monastery in Britain still used for its original purpose. Founded in 1230, this Benedictine abbey operates on a donation basis rather than fixed rates.
Men stay in a wing of the abbey itself, while women are housed in a separate building called St. Scholastica’s, just down the road through dense trees and past the monastery cemetery.
Monte Cassino, Italy
The Abbey of Monte Cassino is a Catholic, Benedictine monastery on a rocky hill about 130 kilometres southeast of Rome, in the Latin Valley. It is the first house of the Benedictine Order, having been established by Benedict of Nursia himself around 529.
One can also stay at the abbey as there is accommodation for visitors, though guests must email them directly for reservations and availability.
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Rila Monastery, Bulgaria
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bulgaria’s mountains offers both shared dormitories and private rooms with bathrooms. The Rila monastery offers accommodation for pilgrims and tourists, costing around $27 per night.
As an overnight guest, you get access to the normally closed-off upper floors of the monastery, and the best part is access to the site after hours, where at times you may be the only one around.
Monasterio de Sobrado, Spain
The Monasterio de Sobrado in northwestern Spain is a working Cistercian monastery, a stop along the Camino de Santiago, and also a guesthouse offering rooms for visitors. This monastery combines its role as a pilgrimage stop with modern guest accommodations.
The ancient stones and peaceful courtyards provide the perfect setting for reflection after a long day of walking the famous Camino route.
Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Sinai
Located at the foot of Mount Sinai, it was built between 548 and 565, and is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited Christian monastery. There is a Guest House just below the monastery that offers single or double occupancy rooms, with a few rooms for higher occupancy.
All rooms have private facilities, and the cost of the room includes dinner and breakfast. The location is ideal for those planning to climb Mount Sinai for sunrise.
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Great Meteoron Monastery, Greece
Part of the famous Meteora complex, the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, located at Meteora, Greece, is the biggest and oldest of all. While the monasteries of Meteora generally do not offer overnight stays, the nearby village of Kastraki provides accommodations with stunning views of these gravity-defying monasteries.
The dramatic cliff-top location offers one of the most spectacular monastery experiences in the world.
Buckfast Abbey, England
This abbey was established in the 11th century, and its name originates from the fact that the valley along the River Dart is a popular location for deer. Guests on private retreats are welcome to stay for up to a week at the abbey — women and couples will stay in Southgate, a building near the monastery.
The abbey is famous for its honey, wine, and tonic wine made by the monks.
Abbey of Our Lady of the Snows, France
In 1878, Robert Louis Stevenson stayed in the Abbey of Our Lady of the Snows while writing Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes. Hikers and pilgrims are still welcome to sleep here, near some of the best hiking in southern Europe.
The abbey sits along popular hiking trails and offers a taste of their monastic wine called Notre Dame des Neiges.
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Fontevraud Abbey, France
Fontevraud l’Hotel is set in one of the priories of the 1000-year-old Fontevraud Abbey, not too far from the chateaux of the Loire Valley. Experience history – and a one-star Michelin restaurant. This former abbey has been transformed into a luxury hotel while maintaining its historical character.
The abbey is famous for housing the tombs of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart.
Abbazia di Santa Maria di Farfa, Italy
Abbazia di Santa Maria di Farfa, not too far from Rome, is a 1000-year-old Benedictine monastery with rooms for those who would like some prayer and reflection time, or to simply get away from it all. Located about 40 miles northeast of Rome, this abbey offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling capital.
The monastery has been continuously inhabited for over a millennium.
Einsiedeln Abbey, Switzerland
Einsiedeln Monastery looks out over the deep blue waters of the lake on one side and onto craggy mountain peaks on the other. Male guests have the opportunity to take part in monastery life for up to one week.
This baroque monastery in the Swiss Alps has been a pilgrimage destination since the Middle Ages and is home to the famous Black Madonna statue.
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Convent of St John, Müstair
The internationally renowned Convent of St John in Müstair enjoys a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listing. Guests sleep in the guesthouse and eat in the convent’s dining room. Founded around 780 AD, this Benedictine convent in Switzerland contains some of the best-preserved Carolingian wall paintings in Europe.
The peaceful Alpine setting provides the perfect backdrop for contemplation.
Fischingen Monastery, Switzerland
Spiritual rejuvenation in this beautifully renovated monastery, which is home to a small Benedictine community. This is what makes Fischingen a living monastery, a place of peace. This monastery meeting hotel combines traditional monastic life with modern conference facilities.
The peaceful gardens and ancient architecture create an atmosphere perfect for both business retreats and personal reflection.
Kappel Monastery, Switzerland
Kappel Monastery is the ideal place to find refuge from the pressures of everyday life. Here you’ll find the power of a monastic tradition dating back centuries combined with modern hospitality.
Located on the shores of Lake Zurich, this former Cistercian monastery now serves both groups and individual visitors seeking spiritual renewal.
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La Fille-Dieu Abbey, Switzerland
The La Fille-Dieu abbey is situated right on the Way of St. James and is a welcoming haven for visitors, as they can find comfort in the stillness away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This Cistercian abbey offers not just accommodation but also sells homemade mustard prepared according to an ancient recipe found in the monastery archives.
Kartause Ittingen, Switzerland
Freedom to be truly creative: the quiet atmosphere of the old monastery, surrounded by unspoilt nature and well-tended gardens, is sure to inspire new ideas. This former Carthusian monastery has been transformed into a cultural center and hotel, offering a unique blend of historical architecture and modern amenities.
The beautiful gardens and art installations make it a popular destination for creative professionals.
Disentis Monastery, Switzerland
Founded in the 8th century, Disentis Monastery is today the spiritual and educational center of the Upper Rhine Valley. A cultural history exhibition showcases the history of the Benedictine Abbey, as well as its ecclesiastical art.
This ancient monastery in the Swiss Alps remains in operation as both a spiritual center and an educational institution, welcoming guests who wish to experience monastic life firsthand.
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Ecce Homo Convent, Jerusalem
Inside the Old City Walls and near the Damascus Gate, the Ecce Home Convent features terraces where you can see the Dome of the Rock and hear the call to prayer echoing over the city. This unique location offers guests the extraordinary experience of staying within Jerusalem’s ancient walls, surrounded by some of the world’s most sacred sites.
New Norcia Abbey, Australia
The monastery owns and operates the small town of New Norcia, in Western Australia. Yes, that’s right. It is a monastic town. The guesthouse is tucked behind the southern cloister of the monastery.
The architecture is influenced by Spain and seems out of place on the edge of the plains in Western Australia. Guests can sample the abbey’s wine and beer.
Kopan Monastery, Nepal
Three hundred sixty monks call Kopan Monastery home, and outsiders can do the same for up to a month for the popular meditation classes. Located at an elevation of 4,600 feet near Kathmandu, this Tibetan Buddhist monastery offers courses, retreats, and private stays.
You must abide by the house rules: no killing, no stealing, no lying, no sexual conduct, and no taking of mind-altering substances.
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Where Sacred History Meets Modern Hospitality
These medieval monasteries prove that ancient traditions can thrive in the modern world. Providing respite to pilgrims and travelers is a tradition that dates back centuries, and several religious communities continue the practice today.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, historical immersion, or simply a unique travel experience, these monasteries offer something that standard hotels simply cannot match. Each stay connects you to centuries of continuous prayer, scholarship, and hospitality, making your visit part of an unbroken chain of guests stretching back to medieval times.
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