In the valley of the River Rye, on the edge of the Yorkshire Moors, lies the remains of an 11th-century Cistercian abbey. At the height of its power, it was one of the wealthiest monasteries in Great Britain, but the ravages of time, disease, and a rampaging monarch brought an end to its useful life. Today, the abbey is open to wander around and take in the skeletal gothic architecture.
January 25, 2025
Greifswald, Germany
These crumbling monastery ruins inspired a master of German Romanticism.
Llanthony, Wales
The remains of one of Wales’ great medieval buildings, with a pub in the cellar.
Sawley, England
The last two abbots of this monastery were both executed by Henry VIII.
Riverview, Ireland
The remains of a 13th-century Franciscan friary have survived multiple attempts at destruction, most recently in 1921.
San Nicola di Tremiti, Italy
An abandoned monastery sits on a far-off island in the Adriatic Sea.
County Durham, England
A little-known ruin with a convoluted history and a fascinating latrine drainage system.
Tholey, Germany
Germany’s oldest monastery has origins dating back to the 7th century.
Granada, Spain
Mysterious texts covered in mystical symbols were found in caves at this site centuries ago.
