Preaching to the Choir

Pulpit, Refectory, Alcobaça Monastery, Portugal

The Alcobaça Monastery was built in a unique early Gothic style following the precepts of the Order of Cistercians, with clean lines and the absence of decoration except for column capitals. Alcobaça Monastery and church are the first of this style in Portugal, dating to the 13th century. Abbey monks ate in the refectory (dining room). During meals, one of the monks ascended the pulpit and read passages of the Bible.

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