Cloister Facts for Kids

The cloister of a ruined abbey in Utrecht.

A cloister is a special kind of open space, usually found in monasteries, churches, and old colleges. Imagine a peaceful, open-air courtyard shaped like a rectangle. This space is surrounded by covered walkways or open hallways. These walkways have open arcades (a series of arches) on the side facing the courtyard. They run along the walls of the main buildings, forming a quiet, enclosed area.

What is a Cloister?
- Where Can You Find Cloisters?
- Why Were Cloisters Built?
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What is a Cloister?

A cloister is like a peaceful, private garden area within a larger building complex. It's often square or rectangular. The covered walkways around it are perfect for walking, reading, or quiet thinking, even when it rains. These walkways connect different parts of the building, like the church, dining hall, and sleeping areas.

Where Can You Find Cloisters?

You'll mostly find cloisters in places with a long history.

Monasteries: These are homes for monks or nuns. Cloisters provide a quiet space for prayer and reflection.
Churches: Especially large cathedrals, often have cloisters attached.
Old Colleges: Some very old universities have cloisters, giving students and teachers a calm place to walk and think.

Why Were Cloisters Built?

Hundreds of years ago, around the time of Charlemagne (a famous emperor who lived from 742 to 814 AD), monasteries were busy places. They were often part of large estates with many people living and working there. Monks needed a quiet place to focus on their religious duties without being disturbed by everyday life.

So, the cloister was designed as a "monastery within a monastery." It was a locked, private area. This design allowed the monks to perform their sacred tasks in peace. It kept them separate from the distractions of visitors, servants, and other people living on the estate. It was a way to create a calm, spiritual center within a bustling community.