In Catholic tradition, a cloister is a significant architectural element, typically a covered walkway forming a rectangle around a courtyard. Its primary function wasn't liturgical; rather, it served as a contemplative and communal space for monks or nuns. Located within the monastery or convent, it provided a sheltered area for prayer, meditation, and procession. The cloister's secluded nature contributed to its symbolic meaning as a sacred space, representing a retreat from the secular world and a focus on spiritual growth. The design facilitated a quiet life devoted to prayer and study, separate from the church’s main liturgical function.