The most beautiful perhaps lies in the trickiest locations! This could be proven right once you have a glance of the monasteries that are seated in some of the most shaky and uncertain plains...
No matter if it is in Greece, Tibet or India; the brilliant work of art, lively colour selection and mystical myths associated with the monasteries - invite any art lover to bathe in their alluring beauty. Know where to go for seeing the best monasteries in this blog.
1. Yumbulagang Monastery, Tibet
Located on a small hill east of the Yarlong River near Lhasa, Tibet - Yumbulagang Monastery wins the confidence of travellers with its stunning mural embellishments on the wall. The actual building was constructed around 2000 years ago and was one of the earliest buildings in Tibet. During the Cultural Revolution of Tibet, the monastery was ruined. It is in 1980, the monastery was restored.
2. Meteora Monastery, Greece
A popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thessaly, Greece, Meteora Monastery is located atop a rocky ridge. A superb instance of 14th century art and architecture growing in Greece, this monastery was decorated by the famous Cretan painter Theophanous o Kris. It is one of the most significant monastery complexes of Greece.
3. Tibet Potala Palace, Tibet
The greatest monumental structure, Tibet Potala Palace is a 170m high monastery upon Marpo Ri Hill. It is believed that the cave found in this hill used to be the dwelling place of Bodhisattva Chenresi which was later turned into a meditating spot of the Emperor Songtsen Gampo. The monastery used to be the residence of Dalai Lama and was later, transformed into a museum and world heritage site.
4. Tigers Nest Monastery, Bhutan
One of the most famous monasteries in the world, Taktshang or Tigers Nest Monastery is spotted atop a cliff at 3120 m height. The Monastery got its name from a myth which states that Guru Rinoche meditated in this cave while, flying over the Himalaya, riding a tigress. He meditated here for three months in a cave, which was later converted into this striking monument.
5. Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Greece
Located on a picturesque mountain edge near the Pineios River and Pindus Mountains, in Central Greece, Monastery of the Holy Trinity is accessible only by 140 steep steps. Abundant greenery, lofty gorges and serenity are the USPs of this picture perfect location. The monastery was built in the form of a cruciform and contains a dome supported by two columns. The monastery has rose-colored tiles and festooned with frescoes.
6. Sumela Monastery, Turkey
Popularly known as Mereyam Ana, Sumela Monastery is located at the base of a steep cliff in the Macka region of Turkey. The monastery can be accessed by a forested path, that covers beautiful fresco's depicting biblical stories of Christ and Virgin Mary. This orthodox monastery is dedicated to Virgin Mary and was founded in 386 AD.
7. Key monastery Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Located atop a hill at an elevation of 4166 m near Spiti River, Key Monastery is one of the most significant Buddhist sites of India. Destroyed by several invaders overtime and the resulting reconstruction work have given this monastery a fort like look. The walls of this monastery bear exclusive paintings and murals. A wonderful collection of age old books, Buddha images and murals are the attractions of this monastery.