Try life as a monk, Austria

Photo © Sukanto Debnath

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live a cloistered life, you can now try it out on holiday. The historic Austrian monastery of Maria Enzersdorf near Vienna has introduced a ‘monk for the day’ scheme, in which visitors can work and pray alongside the monks.

The resident Franciscans want to give curious men a down-to-earth glimpse into their life within the monastery – and all for free. The scheme runs on weekends, and has already convinced several participants to become full-time monks. The only restriction is that men must be under the age of 40. Female visitors are also welcomed by an order of Franciscan nuns.

Maria Enzersdorf has been the site of a monastery since the 15th Century.

Written by - Photo by Sukanto Debnath

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