“From healing herbs to towering ancient trees, these spaces reveal much about the self-sufficient lives of monks and nuns and are now accessible for those seeking a deeper connection to nature and spirituality.
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As Lily Smith, an expert from Monasteries.com, explains: ‘Since the dawn of monasticism in the 6th-century, gardens have been integral to monastic life. Mixing beauty and practicality, they are living testaments to centuries of traditional knowledge and wisdom.’ She adds, ‘Supporting monastic gardens helps ensure they will thrive for generations to come.’
From healing herbs to towering ancient trees, these spaces reveal much about the self-sufficient lives of monks and nuns and are now accessible for those seeking a deeper connection to nature and spirituality. For those interested in visiting, staying, or volunteering in a monastery or abbey garden, you can discover even more of Europe’s hidden monastic treasures, by visiting Monasteries.com.
As autumn approaches, these gardens come alive with rich colours and headily scented blooms, making it the ideal time for a visit. Here are some of the most enchanting monastic gardens in Europe that you can explore – some even offer the chance to stay overnight and truly immerse yourself in their peaceful surroundings.
Foresteria Valdese – Florence, Italy
Right in the heart of Florence, the garden of the Foresteria Valdese is a quiet haven amid the city. Dating back to the 16th-century, this former palazzo features a garden enclosed by elegant porticoes and cross-vaulted ceilings. The lush greenery and peaceful corners provide an atmosphere of calm and reflection, allowing visitors to lose the noise of modern life and feel transported back in time. Guests can stay in one of the comfortable rooms and enjoy the timeless beauty of the surrounding gardens – the perfect place to recharge after a day of exploring elegant Florence’s rich cultural life.
Het Rustpunt – Ghent, Belgium
If you’re in search of monastic hospitality in the Low Countries, look no further than Het Rustpunt in Ghent. This charming guesthouse offers simple yet comfortable accommodation and a lovely enclosed garden – ideal for quiet contemplation or a relaxed afternoon stroll. As the autumn leaves begin to fall, the garden transforms into a cosy, intimate retreat for visitors. With rooms starting at £87 a night in October, it hits all the right affordability and tranquillity notes.
Locanda al Santuario – Lake Garda, Italy
Few places offer a more breathtaking backdrop for a garden than the shores of Lake Garda. At Locanda al Santuario, a former monastery turned hotel, guests can enjoy stunning views over the lake while wandering through the serene and well-tended gardens. The terrace provides an idyllic spot to take in the scenery or even meditate a the calm, sun-dappled spot. With rooms from £92.28 a night in October, it’s an unforgettable place to stay and experience the peaceful spirit of monastic life.
Villa Crawford – Sorrento, Italy
Overlooking the stunning Bay of Naples, Villa Crawford in Sorrento was once home to American novelist Francis Marion Crawford. The villa’s elegant gardens, which reflect Crawford’s refined taste, are now open to visitors who wish to bask in their beauty. Take a quiet stroll under the shade of the olive trees or enjoy a book in the garden's lush, manicured spaces. With rooms starting at just £48.57 per night, Villa Crawford offers a chance to unwind in a garden steeped in literary history.
Abbaye de Saint-André – Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, France
Situated on a hill overlooking the Rhône River, the Abbaye de Saint-André offers one of France’s most stunning monastic gardens. A true oasis, these landscaped gardens combine Mediterranean planting, ancient olive trees, and terraces adorned with stone walls. Visitors can explore the abbey’s Baroque gardens and take in sweeping views of Avignon. The garden is particularly captivating in autumn, as the air turns crisp and the foliage provide golden.
Klosterneuburg Abbey – Vienna, Austria
Just outside Vienna, the Klosterneuburg Abbey is home to magnificent Baroque-style gardens. Visitors can explore orchards, vineyards, and meticulously designed floral beds that date back to the 12th-century, plus the abbey boasts an active vineyard, where the monks have been producing wine for centuries. Autumn is a special time to visit, as the abbey’s gardens burst with golden and russet colours, and the vineyard harvest is in full swing.
