Ettal Abbey, Bavaria, Germany -- Founded in 1328, this was a relative latecomer for what was to become such an important Benedictine monastery -- and it is still a major presence today with over 50 monks, a school, and a brewery. Benedictines must be self supporting. In the early 1800s, the monastery lost the farm land it needed to support itself. So today, its economic life is based upon education and beer. (Sounds like college, but not necessarily in that order.)

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