We’ve shown you some beautiful churches in Idaho before – our state is full of them! But few people know about this stunning retreat in Cottonwood that features Idaho’s finest monastery – a place where art, faith, history, and beauty blend.

The Benedictine Sisters of the Monastery of St. Gertrude sprang forth from humble beginnings in 1882 before forming a small cloister in Switzerland. Time and compassionate callings eventually brought them to the American Northwest, where the movement from Washington to Oregon to Idaho was prompted by a growing convent with a desire to serve. After the generous donation of a piece of land in Cottonwood, the sisters relocated permanently, and the process of building the Monastery of St. Gertrude was completed in the 1920s. Following the completion of the initial chapel, additional undertakings throughout the community allowed the Benedictine sisters to make a far-reaching difference in healthcare, education, and art.

Today, St. Gertrude’s is still a thriving education and worship center, as well as quite possibly the most beautifully ornate church in the state. Take a look at some of the unique sights to behold here.

The Monastery of St. Gertrude was originally built in the 1920s, and is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
Monastery of St. Gertrude/Facebook
Situated in the scenic Camas Prairie region, the chapel provides views across the landscape of the Clearwater, Bitterroot, and Seven Devils Mountains.
Monastery of St. Gertrude/Facebook
The beautiful location originally reminded the Benedictine sisters of their homeland.
Hewn from blue porphyry stone quarried from a nearby hill, the chapel took years to complete.
Monastery of St.Gertrude/Facebook
The results were absolutely stunning, and remain so to this day.
As per tradition, both inside and out, no detail was spared in creating a sanctified, majestic space for worship.
Monastery of St.Gertrude/Facebook
Monastery of St.Gertrude/Facebook

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As the Benedictine sisters contributed more and more to the community, the monastery continued to grow.
Monastery of St.Gertrude/Facebook
Today, the monastery owns over 1,400 acres of land, including a large forest, multiple orchards, an inn, and even a museum, in addition to a fascinating historic cemetery.
Even the landscape was rendered for peaceful meditation, tranquil communion with nature, and relaxing solitude.
Monastery of St.Gertrude/Facebook
Intricate statues of St.Gertrude, heraldic angels, and notable saints overlook the grounds, creating a peaceful and inspiring garden retreat.
Photo Credit
Monastery of St.Gertrude/Facebook
In fact, with so many opportunities to learn and rejuvenate, a visit here just might be the most relaxing and hospitable trip you'll ever take.
Monastery of St.Gertrude/Facebook

St.Gertrude’s is such a unique and lovely part of Idaho’s history that is all-too-often overlooked. Take some time to meditate and enjoy nature at this chapel and garden the next time you take a trip through Cottonwood — you won’t want to miss it! For additional opportunities at St.Gertrude’s, be sure to check out their website as well.

Have you ever visited the inn, museum, or chapel here, or even toured the grounds? What did you think?

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