Ashland Place
Ashland Place Historic District
Visitation Monastery: A Mobile Sanctuary
Discover peace and history at Mobile's Visitation Monastery, a sanctuary of prayer and contemplation since 1832.
The Visitation Monastery in Mobile, Alabama, is a historic Roman Catholic complex founded in 1832. Home to cloistered nuns, it offers a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into a life dedicated to prayer and contemplation. Visitors can explore the grounds, visit the gift shop, and attend Mass in the chapel.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Visitation Monastery
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
10 am-5 pm
Tuesday
10 am-5 pm
Wednesday
10 am-5 pm
Thursday
10 am-5 pm
Friday
10 am-5 pm
Saturday
10 am-5 pm
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Visitation Monastery
Getting There
Walking
From the intersection of Springhill Avenue and Levert Avenue, walk east along Springhill Avenue for approximately 200 feet. The Visitation Monastery is located on the right, behind a high brick wall. Look for the entrance gate at 2300 Springhill Ave.
Public Transport
The WAVE Transit System provides bus service in Mobile. Check the WAVE Transit website or app for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several bus routes have stops along Springhill Avenue. From the nearest bus stop, walk to the monastery entrance at 2300 Springhill Ave. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. Request a ride to 2300 Springhill Ave. The fare from downtown Mobile to the Visitation Monastery typically ranges from $10 to $15, depending on the service and time of day.
Driving
From I-65, take Exit 5A for Springhill Avenue East. Continue east on Springhill Avenue for approximately 2 miles. The Visitation Monastery will be on your right at 2300 Springhill Ave. Limited street parking is available on Springhill Avenue. Parking is $1.00/hour. Consider using a parking app for easy payment. Alternatively, there are parking lots and garages in downtown Mobile, a short drive away.
Local tips
✓
Attend Mass in the Sacred Heart Chapel for a spiritual experience.
✓
Visit the Visitation Shop for unique religious items and the famous Heavenly Hash candy.
✓
Walk the serene grounds and admire the French Renaissance architecture.
✓
Check the monastery's website for information on retreats and special events.
Discover more about Visitation Monastery
Nestled behind stone walls on Springhill Avenue in Mobile, Alabama, the Visitation Monastery offers a serene escape from the city's hustle. Founded in 1832 by Bishop Michael Portier, the monastery is home to the cloistered Order of the Visitation, a community of nuns dedicated to prayer, humility, and gentleness.The monastery's history is rich, with the first five sisters arriving from Georgetown, Washington D.C. to establish a school for girls. The original buildings were destroyed by a fire in 1854, but were rebuilt in 1855 in a French Renaissance style. Today, the complex includes the main quadrangle, the Sacred Heart Chapel (built in 1895), and a priest's house.Visitors are welcome to explore the monastery grounds, enclosed by high brick walls that date back to the 1850s. The Visitation Shop, located in the former chaplain's residence, offers a variety of religious items, books, and the nuns' famous Heavenly Hash candy. Mass is held daily in the chapel, and visitors are welcome to attend. The monastery also hosts retreats for men, women, and adolescents.The Visitation Monastery provides a unique opportunity to experience a life of prayer and contemplation in a beautiful and historic setting. It's a place where visitors can find peace, learn about the Catholic faith, and support the work of the Visitation Sisters.
A brief summary to Visitation Monastery
Use Visitation Monastery as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Mobile
Discover Mobile, Alabama: A historic city on the Gulf Coast with rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations.
Tell me more about Mobile
