Refectory

Refectory

A refectory is a dining room, especially in monasteries, boarding schools, and academic institutions. One of the features of the refectory is the refectory table around which people may sit, eat, and converse. Refectories are generally vast rooms, built to accommodate large numbers of people eating at the same time.

History

The term refectory emerged from the Latin reficere which means "to remake" or "to restore". It was originally used in the Roman Empire where it was a place where the military would eat their meals. Over time, the term was adopted by Christian monasteries to denote their dining halls.

Monastic Refectories

In Christian monasteries, the refectory is usually located off the cloister, which is the covered walkway surrounding the monastery courtyard. It is traditionally the room where all members of the community gather to eat and to hear readings from spiritual texts.

Modern Refectories

In modern times, refectories are often found in boarding schools and universities. They serve as communal dining halls where students and staff can eat meals together. Some institutions also use their refectories as event spaces for meetings, lectures, and other gatherings.

See Also

• Monastery
• Boarding School
• University
• Dining Hall

External Links

• Britannica: Refectory

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