Interested in more about the mysterious world of monks and monasteries, abbots and abbeys, hermits and cloisters?
Check out these handy definitions and links to learn more.
Interested in more about the mysterious world of monks and monasteries, abbots and abbeys, hermits and cloisters?
Check out these handy definitions and links to learn more.
Terms and Definitions, as according to Merriam-Webster.com*.
Abbey- a monastery ruled by an abbot
Abbot- the superior of a monastery for men
Cloister- a covered passage on the side of a court usually having one side walled and the other an open arcade or colonnade
Refectory- a dining hall (as in a monastery or college)
Interesting Facts and Historical Phenomena
According to Wikipedia, the Plan of Saint Gall "is the only surviving major architectural drawing from the roughly 700-year period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the 13th century. It is considered a national treasure of Switzerland and remains a significant object of interest among modern scholars, architects, artists and draftspeople for its uniqueness, its beauty, and the insights it provides into medieval culture. "
And what is the Plan of Saint Gall? The same article states, "it depicts an entire Benedictine monastic compound, including church, houses, stables, kitchens, workshops, brewery, infirmary, and a special building for bloodletting." Follow the link here to acces an image of this stunning piece of medieval history.
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