Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from North Carolina’s famous Christmas Town U.S.A. is another less famous, yet just as inspiring, attraction: a monastery established in the town of Belmont (just across the river from McAdenville) in 1876. This American-Cassinese monastery in North Carolina is worthy of visit, even if you can only tour the campus – and not the buildings.

Upon arrival onto the campus of Belmont College, the first striking thing you'll see of the Belmont Abbey is the Basilica, the Abbey Church Of Mary Help of Christians -- sometimes referred to simply as "Belmont Abbey."
Robert D. Barnesv / Moment Open Collection via Getty Images
But to see the Abbey itself, you'll need to park across from the Basilica and walk the campus.
That's because the monastery (barely visible here running along the horizon to the immediate right) is mostly hidden behind the trees in the view from the road.
Google Maps
And what beautiful grounds to explore!
Google/Robin Ann
During COVID, the monastery closed its doors to the public and has yet to reopen. But you can still respectfully explore the grounds on foot.
Take your time and look for the details. You can really feel the spiritual energies flowing here at Belmont Abbey.
Flickr/J Voitus

Related Stories

The Terrifying, Deadly Train Wreck In North Carolina That Most People Have Never Heard Of

The Terrifying, Deadly Train Wreck In North Carolina That Most People Have Never Heard Of

 Take A Meandering Path To A North Carolina Overlook That’s Like The Balcony Of An Old Stone Castle

Take A Meandering Path To A North Carolina Overlook That’s Like The Balcony Of An Old Stone Castle

 There Are 5 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Edenton, North Carolina

There Are 5 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Edenton, North Carolina
In 2020, the monks (there are 20 in residence at the moment) got busy refreshing the old monastatic garden.
Belmont Abbey Garden
It, too, is located on the grounds of the monastery. Be sure to keep an eye open for it to see their progress.
Officially included in the Order of Saint Benedict, the monks at Belmont Abbey (as are all of the monks in this order) were once called the "Black Monks," referring to the color of their robes (pictured).
Belmont Abbey
The Basilica is an inspiration both from the outside and in.
Google/Joe Arismendy
It is listed on the National Register of HIstoric Places. And in 1998, St. John Paul II elevated it to minor Basilica.
If you want to attend mass at the Basilica, you'll find a schedule of open mass times here.
Google/Joe Arismendy

The monastery at Belmont Abbey is located in the town of Belmont, which sits between two scenic rivers in North Carolina: the Catawba River and the South Fork Catawba River. Carve out some extra time to explore Belmont while you’re here. You can actually view portions of Crowders Mountain from places in this suburban Charlotte city. And this monastery in North Carolina is definitely worthy of visit!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Belmont Abbey, Belmont Abbey Basilica, 100 Belmont Mt Holly Rd, Belmont, NC 28012, USA