Monastic Infirmaries: Healing Spaces for Monk Communities in the High Middle Ages (SP)

Abstract

Despite its great importance during the Middle Ages, the monks’ infirmary is among the less well known extra-claustral monastic spaces. This paper aims to clarify its functions and rules of procedure, as well as to define the type of patients it sheltered. Additionally, it deals with the study of its management by an infirmary brother and takes into account the role played by the physicians in the treatments accorded to the ill monks. Finally, the article is concerned with certain aspects related to the location of the monks’ infirmary within the monastic complex and its architectural features, and seeks to trace the origins of the common solutions that are to be found throughout the European medieval monastic world.