NEW NORCIA WA

 Like the principality of Hutt, I will suggest that the "Town" of new Norcia is unique in the Australian landscape. All of the buildings, of Spanish architectural design, were constructed and devoted to worship, education, accommodation and pastoral activities conducted by the Spanish, Benedictine order of Monks. The Monastery, Churches and Chapels, Colleges and Dormitories are individually striking and impressive.  
 New Norcia began its development at the present site in 1847 under the leadership of Bishop Rosendo Salvado (1814 – 1900),  who spent the next 54 years of his life developing the mission until it became the most successful in the country, providing education and pastoral guidance to Indigenous children from all over the state. After the Bishop's death, the Mission morphed into a more traditional monastic community.The last Spanish Benedictine monk of New Norcia died in 2010, aged 99. It is said that He continued to prepare the bread for the monks and their olive oil almost up until his death.
  Yes, it is claimed that the place has it's own Ghosts with frequent reports of sightings of a of a pale girl seen on the top floor of the St Gertrude's Girls boarding house and of a nun, dressed in blue, seen flying around the clock tower as the bell tolls midnight.
(Click on a photo to enlarge)