This survey presents a fresh chronicle of a largely overlooked subject as well as hundreds of images, many of them newly photographed, of more than 150 of the most interesting and best preserved monasteries in Spain, Portugal, France, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy - all of which are accessible to visitors. Over the centuries a number of buildings, including churches, in these monastic complexes have been masterworks of architecture. Among the notable places shown here are Mont-Saint-Michel, a wondrous Benedictine sanctuary off the coast of Brittany, Alcobaca, a treasured Cistercian monastery in Portugal from the early Gothic period, and the fabled pilgrimage site in Assisi founded by St. Francis. The author relates the rich cultural heritage of each monastery featured and provides a detailed architectural portrait. He also contributes an introduction to monasticism and a concise history of the various orders dating from the early Christian era to the present. In addition, the volume includes plans of the sites, a glossary, and a bibliography. Architects, historians, and art lovers will be captivated by the collection of photographs in this volume and will find the text an invaluable account of the artistic glory of European monasteries.