This stunning ancient city is located in the deep south of Italy. In 2019, Matera held the title of European Capital of Culture, however it remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Perched on a rocky hill, the city lay abandoned for a few years.
In recent years, its derelict buildings have been turned into galleries, restaurants and boutique hotels. Matera is known for its cave dwellings.
If spirituality entices you along with meditative chants and riveting discussions with monks and nuns fascinate you, monasteries are your peaceful retreats. Housing monks and nuns, monasteries are a place to live in seclusion where the inhabitants explore faith. An array of religions has monasteries, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, where the people who chose this path believe in living humbly. The Greek root meaning of the term “monastery” itself signifies living alone. Not everyone can adopt such a lifestyle, albeit experiencing it for a while can bestow peace to the soul. This is a guide to remote monasteries on earth.