Thomas Merton wrote his famous autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, while living in the abbey.
The monastery is located in the knob lands of Kentucky, an area known for its unique geological hills.
The monks observe a tradition of silence, though they interact with the public through the retreat center and gift shop.
The abbey's fudge and fruitcake production serves as a primary source of funding for the monastery's upkeep.
It is the first permanent foundation of Trappist monks in North America.
The abbey operates its own cemetery, where Thomas Merton is buried.
The Abbey of Gethsemani is the oldest Trappist monastery in the United States, founded in 1848 by monks from Melleray, France. It belongs to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, known for a lifestyle of silence, prayer, and manual labor. The abbey is situated on 2,000 acres of farmland and forest in rural Kentucky. It gained significant cultural recognition as the long-term residence of author and monk Thomas Merton, who lived here from 1941 until his death in 1968. Visitors may tour the church, walk the grounds, and visit the bookstore. The monks maintain a self-sufficient community producing fruitcake and bourbon-infused fudge. Guests can participate in organized retreats in a dedicated facility separate from the cloistered area.
The exterior view of the historic abbey church and the surrounding landscape.
Visit the bookstore to purchase goods produced directly by the monks.
Respect the designated 'cloistered' zones which are off-limits to day visitors.
Check the retreat calendar in advance if you intend to stay overnight as a guest.
Do not wander into restricted monastic areas marked for monks only.
Maintain silence in the church and near the monastery grounds; modest, respectful clothing is required.
