# Gravity Defying Monasteries 10 Sanctuaries Perched up on Mountain Tops By lourdes sanchez bayas | Published 2009-03-05 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gravity-defying-monasteries-10-sanctuaries-perched-up-on-mountain-tops References: [existingvisual](http://www.existingvisual.com/weburbanist/2009/03/05/15-amazing-monasteries-sanctuaries-and-abbies/) These ancient monastic structures are 10 of the most awe-inspiring [monasteries, abbeys and sanctuaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-dessarzin-jungle-sanctuary) in the world. The spectacular [places of worship](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sri-aurobindo-integral-life-centre) vary in their design and longevity; some were built as recently as the 1980’s while others were carved out of stones as far back as 1,400 years ago. Also, many of the stunning sacred sites were built on top of very high cliffs and mountains that acted as barriers of contention against the pillaging and the never ending wars and skirmishes that prevailed in those times. The monasteries are scattered all over Asia, Europe and Northern Africa. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 87% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Religious](https://www.trendhunter.com/religious) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Gravity-defying Monasteries:** Opportunity for architectural innovations that challenge conventional building norms and defy gravity. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Tourism:** Opportunity to create unique travel experiences for tourists seeking awe-inspiring destinations. - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects and designers to explore unconventional building techniques and materials for high-altitude structures. - **Historical Preservation:** Opportunity to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of ancient monastic structures through conservation and restoration efforts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Timber Monastery Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plum-village-buddhist.md) - [Mandala-Shaped Meditation Halls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mahamudra-meditation-centre.md) - [Beautiful Forest-Enclosed Churches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-church-of-julong.md) - [Multi-Faith Spiritual Temples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nondenominational-temple.md) - [Coverted Monastery Boutique Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vocabolo-moscatelli.md) - [Tranquil Suspended Hanging Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ardh-architect.md) - [Reflective Memorial Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanctum-of-trees.md) - [Elevated Mountain Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-cadree-perche.md) - [Mountaintop Cantilevered Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/levitae-house.md)