Monasteries helped shape medieval Europe in ways that often go unnoticed today. Beyond their religious role, they influenced learning, politics, and art across the continent. Of the thousands built between the 5th and 15th centuries, more than 500 still stand; some in truly jaw-dropping locations, either tucked in remote valleys, perched on vertiginous cliffs, or sprawled beside rivers. This guide takes you through six of the most remarkable and includes practical tips to help you get the most out of each visit.First, though, a quick question.Just How Influential Were Monasteries in Medieval Europe?Visit an old European monastery today, and you might find it hard to believe that these were among the most powerful institutions of their time. Monks didnt just pray and keep to themselves; they owned land, ran farms, brewed beer, offered medical care, and educated entire generations. In many areas, they held more sway and respect than local lords and were involved in everything from settling disputes to hosting royal guests.Monasteries were also responsible for preserving knowledge before universities existed in Europe. Monks were the ones copying ancient texts, running libraries, and writing down local history. Although all monasteries had plenty of power, some were more prominent than others, actively driving some of Europes most pivotal historical events. Westminster Abbey, for example, hosted William the Conquerors coronation in 1066, helping him secure his claim to the English throne. Over in France, Cluny Abbey led sweeping church reforms that spread across much of Europe.Now, lets dive into the most marvelous of the lot.1. Mont-Saint-Michel FranceLocals say the sea rushes in as quickly as a galloping horse. With a tidal difference of up to 14 meters (46 feet), the causeway connecting Mont-Saint-Michel island to the mainland can disappear completely in a matter of hours. Photo of Mont-Saint-Michel at sunrise by Lynx1211 via Wikimedia Commons.Few places feel as surreal to walk through as Mont-Saint-Michel. Rising from tidal flats off the coast of Normandy, the island has drawn pilgrims since the 8th century. At its peak, it was one of Europes most important monastic sites, both for its spiritual reputation and near-impossible location. Built layer by layer over centuries, the abbey sits high above a maze of narrow streets, stone staircases, and centuries-old buildings that cling to the rock below as if through sheer will alone.The mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture tells a story of ambition and devotion, with abundant military strategy thrown in for good measure. During the Hundred Years War, the abbey was never taken by English forces, partly because of its fortified position and wild tides. After the French Revolution, it served as a prison; metal bars are still visible on some of the windows today.Insider tipFor a quieter, more atmospheric experience, book a night in one of the small B&Bs on the island so you can explore after the crowds have left. Pure magic.2. Meteora Monasteries GreeceIn Medieval Europe, the Meteora monks used rope baskets and winches to haul up supplies, and sometimes themselves, before staircases were carved centuries later. Photo of Meteora Monastery by Stathis floros via Wikimedia Commons.In central Greece, massive stone towers rise from the earth like fingers pointing to the sky. Perched on top are the monasteries of Meteora, built by monks who wanted to live closer to heaven and farther from danger. They began settling here in the 11th century. By the 1500s, two dozen monasteries were doing a precarious balancing act on these cliffs.Today, six remain standing and are operational, each with its own chapel, courtyard, and centuries-old frescoes. Getting to them involves a bit of a climb (especially the Holy Trinity monastery), but the experience and views are worth every step. Even with more visitors these days, Meteora still feels like a world apart, especially if you take the quieter hiking trails between the sites.Insider tipThe trail from Kastraki to the Holy Trinity Monastery offers a peaceful approach with spectacular views and fewer visitors than the main routes. Get Holy Trinity out of the way first, and youll be much more likely to visit the other five by days end.3. Westminster Abbey EnglandIsaac Newton and Charles Darwin are both buried in Westminster Abbey, making it one of the only churches in the world where science and faith quite literally share the floor. Photo of Westminster Abbey by Thomas Dahlstrom Nielsen via Wikimedia Commons.Right in the heart of London, Westminster Abbey is packed with more royal and political history than almost any other church in Europe. It started as a Benedictine medieval monastery in the 10th century and grew in influence over time, eventually hosting the coronations of English monarchs. The current Gothic structure mostly dates from the 13th century and holds centuries of royal burials, major ceremonies, and national milestones.Inside, youll find graves and memorials for kings, queens, poets, scientists, and soldiers. Some areas feel more like a museum than a church, especially Poets Corner, where names like Chaucer, Dickens, and Austen are all honored. Even with the crowds, theres something a bit special about standing in a place that has witnessed so many turning points in British history.Insider tipIf you join the weekday Highlights Tour, youll get access to areas like the Chapter House and Jerusalem Chamber, which are not accessible with the general admission tickets.4. Maulbronn Monastery GermanyThis UNESCO-listed medieval monastery in Germany might not be a classic medieval stunner but it still has a working wine press built by monks, so if thats not enticing enough, then what is?! Photo of Maulbronn Monastery by Paula Soler-Moya via Flickr.Tucked in the German countryside, this 12th-century monastery is one of the best-kept examples of Cistercian architecture in Europe. A reform branch of the Benedictines, Cistercians built simple, functional monasteries without flashy decorations and drenched in natural light. Maulbronn is exceptionally preserved, and you can still walk through the cloisters, church, dining hall, and garden areas, getting a real feel for how the monks lived day to day.Over the centuries, this medieval gem evolved from an understated monastery into a boarding school and cultural hub. Unlike many medieval sites that have crumbled or been over-restored, Maulbronns lived-in feeling (its still used for concerts) makes visiting incredibly rewarding.Insider tipMake time for lunch in the old monastic bakery at the entrance, where you can try traditional Maultaschen, a local dish first cooked by monks here.5. Santa Mara de Ripoll SpainThis Catalonian monastery was once called the cradle of Catalan culture and played a key role in shaping written language in Medieval Europe. Photo of Santa Mara de Ripolls extraordinary main entrance by Angel M Felicismo via Wikimedia CommonsSet in a small town at the feet of the Pyrenees, Ripoll Abbey played a significant role in early medieval Spain. It was founded in the 9th century and became known for its scriptorium, where monks copied and illustrated thousands of important texts in Latin, Greek, and even Arabic. At a time when books were rare, Ripolls library was one of the most impressive in Europe.The church you see at Ripoll today was mostly built in the 11th century and shows off the solid, rounded style of early Romanesque architecture. Its main entrance is covered in detailed stone carvings of biblical scenes, animals, and patterns. Theyre so full of symbols that art historians have been kept busy for generations. The atmosphere is quiet here, and the town around it moves at a much gentler pace, giving you time to take it all in without the rush often felt in larger cities.Insider tipIf you visit in the late afternoon, the light hits the stone carvings just right, bringing out details you might miss earlier in the day.6. San Fruttuoso Abbey ItalyThis medieval monastery on the Ligurian coast was once hidden so well by cliffs and sea that it was used as a pirate hideout in the 16th century. Photo of San Fruttuoso Abbey by GiuF80 via Wikimedia CommonsHidden in a cove between Camogli and Portofino, San Fruttuoso feels like a secret that somehow slipped through the Italian Riviera cracks. For foreigners, at the very least. Built by Benedictine monks in the 10th century, the abbey once housed the remains of Saint Fructuosus and later became the burial site for the Doria family, a powerful Genoese dynasty. Over the years, it also served as a fishing village, a hideout for pirates, and even a small industrial workshop.Today, its only reachable by boat or by hiking through the Portofino Regional Park. The abbey itself is small and peaceful, but the setting is what makes it unforgettable. Waves roll beneath the arches, and verdant green hills rise into the sky just behind the buildings. Add in the underwater Christ of the Abyss statue just offshore, and its easy to see why so many travelers fall in love with the place.Insider tipArrive on the first ferry of the day and bring your swimsuit. The beach clears out in the late afternoon, and the cove becomes incredibly peaceful. Just check the time for the last ferry back.