Ephrata Cloister
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The Ephrata Cloister (632 W. Main St., Ephrata, 717/733-6600, www.ephratacloister.org, Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m., closed Mon. in Jan.–Feb., $7 adult, $6.50 senior, $5 child 6–17, free under 6) was founded in 1732 as the home of a German religious community, one of the first of its kind.
Today it is a National Historic Landmark managed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to highlight the unique history of the people that lived and worshipped here. At its peak, in the 1740s and ’50s, about 300 people lived and worked here. The group believed in spiritual rewards and shunned earthly pleasures, including sexual intercourse.
The community is known for accomplishments in creating self-composed a cappella music; developing a form of Germanic calligraphy, Frakturschriften; and building a publishing center that included a paper mill, printing office, and book bindery.
© Karrie Gavin from Moon Philadelphia, 1st Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.