5 Must-Visit Monasteries In Georgia, USA

1. Monastery of the Holy Spirit

Conyers Monastery of the Holy Spirit, sitting on an ancient 2,000-acre (809 hectares) plantation, is a gorgeous place to relax, reflect, and meditate. This peaceful and serene monastery has well-tended grounds, a visitor center, an on-site shop, and a café. There is also a lovely garden and education center, and a tranquil prayer walk that leads to the medieval Abbey Church. A visit to this monastery allows you to learn more about monastic life, and experience what it feels like to live in a monastery. If you are a faithful, this site should be your first stop.

Monastery of the Holy Spirit

Address: 2625 Highway 212 SW, Conyers, GA 30094, United States

Website: Monastery of the Holy Spirit

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

2. Monastery of the Glorious Ascension

Initially founded in 1966, the Monastery of the Glorious Ascension moved to Georgia in 1980. It’s a member of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). Still, before then, it has been a part of two bodies - the Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Brotherhood of the Holy Sepulchre. It is now a female-only monastery and still holds services to this day. Like most monasteries, this convent is always very serene, with a relaxed and soothing atmosphere. Visitors here can take a guided tour of the monastery grounds or attend one of the services held regularly.

Monastery-Glorious Ascension

Address: 5052 S Dixie Hwy, Resaca, GA 30735, United States

Website: Monastery-Glorious Ascension

3. Drepung Loseling Monastery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have you ever wanted to see how the Buddhist monks lived? Or do you want to learn more about Buddhism? The peaceful suburb of Brookhaven is home to a beautiful monastery – Drepung Loseling Monastery. This traditional Tibetan friary is open to everyone and it is dedicated to teaching its visitors more about Buddhism. This quiet and beautiful place gets its name from monasteries in India and Tibet. There are weekly meditation courses to engage in, as well as a private prayer room to check out. The comforting place even has other formal courses, educational support programs, and Buddhism outreach programs to take part in. It’s a must-explore.

Drepung Loseling Monastery

Address: 1781 Dresden Dr, Atlanta, GA 30319, United States

Website: Drepung Loseling Monastery

Opening hours: Sun: 9:30am - 1pm; Tue: 6pm - 9:30pm; Thu: 6pm - 7pm (closed on Mon & Wed - Fri)

4. Carmelite Monastery

Established by Carmelite nuns in 1958, this monastery is one of the most popular ones in the state. Located in Savannah, Our Lady Of Confidence Carmelite Monastery is an autonomous and charity-giving convent. The ideal location of the nuns, overlooking the Forest River in the Coffee Bluff area, are dedicated to praying for the priests and catering to the needs of the diocese of Savannah. The unique thing about this monastery is that it is entirely self-sustaining, without any external funding, and it still gives back to the community with outreaches and charity programs. A visit to this monastery takes you through its beautiful grounds and an up-close look at its operations.

Carmelite Monastery

Address: 11 W Back Rd, Savannah, GA 31419, United States

Website: Carmelite Monastery

5. America Dhamma Society

If you are looking for a place to meditate without any form of disturbance or interruptions, then this friary is perfect for you. America Dhamma Society is a very serene and open monastery in Gilmer County, Georgia. The society is an organization aiming to educate people and spread the teachings of Buddha. It also organizes charity programs and carries out humanitarian projects. It is a fantastic all-round experience of peace and tranquillity. The area around this monastery is beautiful and picturesque so you can enjoy relaxing views of the landscape when you visit this site.

America Dhamma Society

Address: 1975 Old Flat Branch Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540, United States

Website: America Dhamma Society

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Meditate in the most sacred monasteries of Georgia

Georgia, a picturesque state in the United States, is one of the unique places to visit in the country. It boasts of stunning green landscapes on one side, marshlands on another part, and even snow-capped mountains, too. Georgia cities are exciting and home to several exciting and fun activity spots like amusement parks, scenic beaches, ancient historic and Civil War sites, skateparks, and so much more. There are amazing wine tours in Georgia and other guided excursions as well. And if you want a more relaxed experience and need a place to meditate, you can check out these remarkable monasteries to visit in Georgia, the USA.