Looking for a bit of peace and quiet? It’s not difficult to find in Arizona—a state with vast amounts of rural space and wilderness—but if you’re looking for a place for a stroll and a bit of spiritual inquiry, there’s no place like visiting a large church property. Today, we’re going to take a look at one place in central Arizona that is also a functioning monastery.
Saint Anthony’s Greek Orthadox Monastery is located at the far end of Florence, about 1.5 hours from Phoenix or Tucson.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
Actually, it seems a bit unusual to find a monastery in the middle of the Arizona desert. Built in 1995 by a small group of Greek monks, creating a small oasis in the Sonoran Desert.
Chad Husby/Flickr
You can visit the monastery daily between 10:30 am and 2:30 pm on a self-guided tour of the grounds and buildings.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
The monastery provides a map with the designated pathways and descriptions of select places you can visit. You can access the map here.
Chad Husby/Flickr
A walk through the grounds will introduce you to the peaceful nature of the monastery and the beauty all around.
Chad Husby/Flickr
You’ll get to visit a handful of chapels located here, each featuring their own unique architectural style and incredible displays of religious art.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
The art and other details are beautiful and intricate. These include some impressive tile mosaics—like that seen above—as well as paintings, carvings, and more.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
When visiting, do keep in mind to dress modestly in loose fitting clothing. Men are asked to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Women are asked to wear long-sleeved shirts, a long skirt, and a scarf.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
St. Anthony’s Monastery is located at 4784 North St. Joseph’s Way in Florence. You can find details about the monastery’s history and visiting opportunities by visiting their website, stanthonysmonastery.org.
Trevor Huxham/Flickr
Chad Husby/Flickr
If you want to read about more lovely churches, you will enjoy reading The 12 Oldest Churches In Arizona Have Stood The Test Of Time.
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