The Einsiedeln Monastery is the largest Benedictine monastery in Switzerland, and is the home of over 80 monks. I am so grateful that my friends suggested we travel to view the Kloster, or monastery. Visitors are not allowed to take photos inside the church. Cameras are allowed at the outside of the monastery, on the grounds, and inside the library--a singular delight for the eyes. The library is perfectly lined floor to ceiling with ancient texts. The walls are so orderly that from afar one could almost be fooled it is a mural.

We were fortunate to arrive in Einsiedeln while a service was being conducted inside the church. Visitors were allowed to stand in the back of the church. A choir was singing as we entered. There was definitely a holy hush over the place. Being there at that moment with the truly angelic voices drifting up to the masterful frescoes on the ceiling, my eyes absorbing every curve and corner of the sublime ceiling and walls--white spotless cherubim, sacred soft pink angels, gleaming gold adornments--was one of the most moving moments of my life. This was one of those experiences that is truly indescribable.

Warm soup at a restaurant across from the monastery served us fast enough as lunch in order to return for the scheduled 2-hour tour. It hardly seemed like two hours; the tour was well led and descriptions were also offered in English. The tour closed with a half-hour video describing the history of the majestic place.

Add Einsiedeln Monastery to your bucket list!