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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Travel
Ailsa Sheldon

Heavenly stays: 10 of the best monastery breaks in Europe

The Benedictine Convent of St Johann in Müstair, Switzerland.
The Benedictine Convent of St Johann in Müstair, Switzerland. Photograph: Gaudenz Danuser

Benedictine Convent of St Johann in Müstair, Switzerland

This convent is said to have been founded by Charlemagne in the eighth century, and was recognised as a Unesco world heritage site in 1983. For 1,250 years Benedictine nuns have followed a structured monastic life here, which guests are invited to experience by staying in the convent guesthouse. Meals are provided, with fruit and vegetables from the organic garden. Guests are invited to take part in hourly prayers and spend time in the church, the Chapel of Grace, and the convent museum. Retreats are held throughout the year. If quiet contemplation doesn’t appeal, partner Hotel Chalavaina (doubles from £159 B&B) next door is livelier and has a restaurant and bar.
Doubles from 60 Swiss francs (£54),
muestair.ch

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