Imagine stumbling upon a lush, spiritual oasis in the middle of Arizona’s sun-scorched desert, where monks in black robes tend olive groves and fragrant gardens bloom with serenity—welcome to St. Anthony’s Monastery!
About St. Anthony’s Monastery
Nestled in the Sonoran Desert near Florence, Arizona, St. Anthony’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox haven founded in 1995 by Elder Ephraim, a monk from Mount Athos. Home to about 50 monks, this serene retreat features stunning chapels, citrus orchards, and award-winning olive oil that’ll make your salads sing. Visitors of all faiths are welcome to explore the grounds daily from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, soaking in the peaceful vibes and intricate Byzantine architecture. For more details, visit their official website.
If you’re planning an Arizona adventure, don’t miss our blog on the Reid Park Zoo for a wild day out with the family.
How to Get to St. Anthony’s Monastery
Address: 4784 N St Joseph’s Way, Florence, AZ 85232
From Florence, AZ (9 miles, ~15 minutes):
- Head south on AZ-79 S/N Main St.
- Turn right onto E Hunt Hwy.
- After about 6 miles, turn left onto N Attaway Rd.
- Turn right onto N St Joseph’s Way; the monastery entrance will be on your left.
From Queen Creek, AZ (25 miles, ~35 minutes):
- Take AZ-24 E to Ironwood Dr.
- Turn right onto E Hunt Hwy.
- Continue for about 15 miles, then turn right onto N Attaway Rd.
- Turn right onto N St Joseph’s Way, and you’ve arrived!
Pro tip: The roads are mostly paved, but watch for the occasional desert tumbleweed photobombing your drive.
Questions & Answers About St. Anthony’s Monastery
Is the monastery as intense as Mount Athos?
While inspired by Mount Athos, St. Anthony’s is more accessible, welcoming day visitors and pilgrims. It’s strict about prayer and dress code, but you won’t need to scale a Greek mountain to get here—it’s more like “Mount Athos Lite.”
Can non-Orthodox visitors attend services?
Yes, but non-Orthodox folks are asked to stay in the narthex (the church’s entry area) during services. It’s still a beautiful experience, and you might catch some soul-stirring chants.
What’s the deal with the dress code?
The monastery enforces a strict dress code (see below), but they’re super nice about it. They’ll lend you clothes if you show up looking like you’re headed to a beach party.
Are there any controversies I should know about?
Some online chatter mentions a 2013 incident and debates about the monastery’s strict practices. We found the monks warm and the grounds peaceful, so go with an open mind and form your own opinion.
Dress Code at St. Anthony’s Monastery
St. Anthony’s Monastery has a strict dress code to maintain its sacred atmosphere. Men must wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts—no baseball caps or flashy logos. Women need a long skirt, long-sleeved shirt, and a headscarf that fully covers the hair. Socks and closed-toe shoes are required for both, and no open-toed sandals or perfumes allowed (desert terrain and allergies, folks!).
True story: I rolled up in long pants, a short-sleeved shirt, and my trusty sun hat, thinking I was desert-chic. The kind folks at the bookstore handed me a long skirt (which I pulled over my pants like a fashion rebel), a long-sleeved button-down, and a headscarf. They said I could keep my sun hat on while strolling the grounds under the blazing Arizona sun, but I had to ditch it before entering any buildings. Let’s just say I was a sweaty, layered burrito of modesty by noon, but it was worth it for the experience!
Craving more Arizona history? Our blog on the Superstition Mountain Museum dives into the Wild West’s mysteries.
Why Visit St. Anthony’s Monastery?
St. Anthony’s Monastery is a hidden gem that blends spiritual serenity with desert beauty, perfect for a reflective day trip. Whether you’re marveling at the chapels, savoring their olive oil, or chuckling at your makeshift skirt-over-pants ensemble, it’s an unforgettable adventure. Just respect the rules, soak in the calm, and maybe pack a water bottle for that Arizona heat. Have you visited St. Anthony’s Monastery, or is it on your Arizona bucket list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Planning your visit? Bring your camera to capture the stunning grounds or a travel journal to jot down your reflections.
Affiliate Links Disclosure
Hey, desert wanderers! This blog contains affiliate links, meaning we might earn a tiny commission if you buy something through them—like that travel journal. It’s like tipping your barista, but for us, and it keeps our sabbatical forever fabulous. Thanks for supporting our adventures, and we promise not to make you wear a headscarf to click the links!
