Courtyard facts for kids

A courtyard is an open space, usually without a roof, that is found inside or surrounded by a building. Think of it as a special outdoor room within a house or a castle! These areas were often used for meetings, which is why the word "court" can also mean a court of law, where legal meetings happen. Courtyards are great for letting in light and fresh air, and they offer a private outdoor area for people to relax or gather.

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  Small cloister in the monastery of Certosa di Pavia, near Pavia, Italy

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  The Great Court of the British Museum in London has a glass roof.

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  Court of the Lions, Alhambra, Grenada, Spain

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  Court of the Pontifica Universidad Cátolica de Chile

What is a Courtyard?

A courtyard is essentially an open-air area that is enclosed by walls or buildings. It's like having a small park or garden right in the middle of a structure. These spaces can be found in many different types of buildings, from homes and schools to palaces and museums. They offer a unique blend of indoor and outdoor living.

Why Do Buildings Have Courtyards?

Courtyards serve many useful purposes. Here are some of the main reasons why they are built:

• Natural Light and Air: In large buildings, courtyards help bring sunlight and fresh air into the inner rooms that might otherwise be dark and stuffy.
• Privacy: They provide a private outdoor space away from busy streets or neighbors. This makes them perfect for quiet activities or family gatherings.
• Gathering Space: Courtyards are often used as central meeting points. People can gather there for social events, performances, or simply to relax.
• Protection: In ancient times, courtyards offered an extra layer of defense against invaders, as they were enclosed and often had only one main entrance.
• Gardens and Green Spaces: Many courtyards are designed with plants, trees, and water features, creating beautiful and peaceful gardens.

Different Kinds of Courtyards

Courtyards have been a part of architecture for thousands of years and come in many styles:

• Atriums: In ancient Roman homes, the atrium was a central open court, often with a pool for collecting rainwater. Today, modern buildings sometimes have large, glass-roofed atriums that feel like indoor courtyards.
• Cloisters: These are special courtyards found in monasteries, convents, and cathedrals. They are usually surrounded by covered walkways and are used for quiet reflection and prayer.
• Patios: Often found in Spanish and Latin American architecture, patios are open courtyards, usually paved, that are part of a home. They are great for outdoor dining and socializing.
• Riad Courtyards: In Morocco, a riad is a traditional house or palace with an inner garden or courtyard. These are often very lush and beautiful, providing a cool oasis from the heat.

Courtyards Around the World

Courtyards are a global feature in architecture, showing up in many cultures and climates.

• In China, traditional homes often have courtyards that are arranged in a specific way to bring good luck and harmony. These courtyards are central to family life.
• Many castles and palaces in Europe feature large courtyards, sometimes called "cour d'honneur" (court of honor), where important ceremonies and parades would take place.
• In hot climates, courtyards help keep buildings cool by creating shaded areas and allowing breezes to flow through. The Alhambra in Spain, for example, has stunning courtyards with fountains and gardens that provide a refreshing escape.
• Modern buildings also use courtyards. Universities, museums, and office buildings often include them to create pleasant outdoor spaces for students, visitors, or workers. The Great Court of the British Museum is a famous example, covered by an impressive glass roof.

Courtyards show how people have creatively designed buildings to connect with nature and create comfortable, functional spaces for centuries.

Images for kids

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  Courtyard in the Lidzbark Castle, Poland

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  Courtyard in the Quetzalpapálotl ruin complex at Teotihuacan, 5th century AD.

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  The Court of the Lions, Alhambra, Granada, Spain

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  A Chinese courtyard in Beijing

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  Fort Hall replica, the courtyard, Pocatello, Idaho

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  The courtyard of Kaapelitehdas in Helsinki, Finland

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  Bahia Palace, Marrakesh, Morocco

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  Daisen-in, a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, one of the five most important Zen temples of Kyoto

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  A courtyard in Rome, Italy

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  Saint-Émilion's Romanesque ruins

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  City Palace, Udaipur, India

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  Tripoli, the Karamanli House

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  Interior of the ING Building, Edmonton, Canada

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  The courtyard and the pool in Rakib-khaaneh mansion in Isfahan, Iran

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  Central patio in Buenos Aires, Antonio Ballvé Penintetiary Museum

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  Courtyard in Essaouira, Morocco

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  Beit Ghazaleh, Aleppo, Syria

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  The Abbey, Sutton Courtenay, England

See also

In Spanish: Cour para niños