The Cloister

A cloister is a quiet, enclosed courtyard found in monasteries, convents, or similar religious institutions. It typically features a walkway or covered walkway surrounding a garden or open space, providing a peaceful setting for reflection, prayer, and study. Cloisters serve as a spiritual retreat, offering a secluded environment that fosters contemplation and community life among monks, nuns, or clergy. Historically, they also functioned as practical areas for walking, gathering, and key daily activities within the religious complex.