Monastery facts for kids
Monasteries are special places where monks live together. While the word "monastery" can sometimes mean a place for nuns, nuns usually live in a convent or nunnery.
An abbey is another name for a Christian monastery or convent. The word "abbey" comes from an old word meaning "father." The leader of an abbey for monks is called an abbot, and the leader for nuns is called an abbess.
Many different religions have monasteries. In Christian monasteries, there is often a chapel where monks can worship. Monks usually promise not to marry and not to own personal things. Everything they use, even their clothes, belongs to the monastery.
The Role of Monasteries in History
Monasteries played a very important role, especially during the Middle Ages. After the Roman Empire fell, many monasteries became centers of learning. They were some of the few places where books were copied and knowledge was kept safe.
Life in a Monastery
Some monasteries were built in very remote places, far from towns and other people. The monks living there had quiet, isolated lives. They often grew their own food and helped each other.
Other monasteries were built in or near towns. Monks in these monasteries often worked to help the community. They might have been involved in teaching, providing medical care, or sharing their religious beliefs with others. Today, most monks live lives that are connected to the wider world, rather than being completely isolated.
Images for kids
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Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain. Built between 1563 and 1584.
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Gračanica Monastery, Kosovo.
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The Plan of Saint Gall, a layout for an abbey that was never built. It shows everything a monastery would need.
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Asta Nørregaard: Christmas Night Mass celebrated in a French Nunnery (1889).
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Buckfast Abbey, Devon, England. This monastery was rebuilt in the 20th century.
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A Hindu matha, Vidyasankara Temple.
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Parakala Mutt - as it stands today.
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Ukhra Nimbarka Peeth Mahanta Asthal.
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Part of Ganden Monastery, Tibet in 1921. Tsongkhapa's tomb is in the center left.
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Tango Monastery, Bhutan.
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Mor Gabriel Monastery was founded in 397 by Mor Shmu'el and his student Mor Shem'un.
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The Mor Hananyo Monastery, one of the many monasteries of Mount Izla.
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Monastery of Saint Athanasius, Bulgaria. It was the first Christian monastery built in Europe in 344.
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Monasterio de San Francisco in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It was the first and oldest monastery built in the Americas.
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The Monastery of Santa María del Parral of the Hieronymites monks in Segovia, Spain.
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Passionist Monastery in Monte Argentario, Tuscany, Italy.
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Bassac Abbey (12th -18th centuries), Bassac, Charente, France.
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Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai, built in the early 6th century.
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Simonopetra monastery on Mount Athos.
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Rila monastery in Bulgaria, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Manasija monastery in central Serbia.
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Pühtitsa Convent in Estonia from the 19th century.
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Dayro d-Mor Mattai was founded in 363 by the hermit Mar Mattai. He had fled from persecution.
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Debre Damo was founded in the 6th century in Ethiopia.
See also
In Spanish: Monasterio para niños
