Medieval monasteries were created as places where God-fearing people could devote themselves to the service of God. Monks and nuns took vows to remain in the abbey for life, spending their time in prayer, study, and manual labour like farming.

These institutions grew into large communities with landed estates that provided essential social services. They established attached schools, colleges, and hospitals. Additionally, monasteries contributed to the development of the arts, such as the practice of community singing of prayers.

Monasteries also owned large churches called cathedrals, which became centres of pilgrimage. This often led to the development of small towns around them as the areas became more populated.