Cloister

Covered walk around a courtyard.

Overview

Cloisters, built with stone or brick, encircle monastic courtyards, common in medieval architecture.

Core Characteristics

• Covered and arcaded.
• Monastic function.
• Medieval prevalence.

Notable Examples

• Monastery of Santa Maria (Portugal, 1385, cloister).
• Salisbury Cathedral (UK, 1258, cloister arcade).

Architectural Connections

• Medieval: Religious focus.
• Religious: Monasteries.
• Gothic Architecture: Core movement.

Influence and Legacy

Led by medieval masons, it fosters monastic tranquility.

Related Concepts & Techniques

Masonry (technique), Spatial Organization (theory), Arcade (element), Romanesque Architecture (movement)