Western Christian tradition Hermitage (religious retreat)

hermitage our lady of enclosed garden in warfhuizen, netherlands

a hermitage type of domestic dwelling in hermit lives. while level of isolation can vary widely, more not associated nearby monastery. typically, hermitages consist of @ least 1 detached room, or dedicated space within open floor plan building, religious devotion, basic sleeping accommodations, , domestic cooking range, suitable ascetic lifestyle of inhabitant. depending on work of hermit, premises such studio, workshop or chapel may attached or sited in proximity.

originally, first hermitages located in natural caves, temple ruins, , simple huts in forests , deserts. around time of fourth century (around 300 ad), spiritual retreats of desert fathers, had chosen live apart society in relative isolation of nitrian desert of egypt, began attract attention of wider christian community. piety of such hermits attracted both laity , other would-be ascetics, forming first cenobitic communities called sketes , such nitria , kellia. within short time, more , more people arrived adopt teachings , lifestyle of these hermits, , there began necessity mutual exchange of labour , shared goods between them, forming first monastic communities.

in later feudal period of middle ages, both monasteries , hermitages alike endowed royalty , nobility in return prayers being said family, believing beneficial state of soul.

carthusian monks typically live in one-room cell or building, areas study, sleep, prayer, , preparation of meals. carthusians live solitary life, meeting brethren communion, shared meals on holy days, , again irregularly nature walks, encouraged have simple discussions spiritual life.

in modern era, hermitages abutted monasteries, or located on grounds, being occupied monks receive dispensation abbot or prior live semi-solitary life. however, hermitages can found in variety of settings, isolated rural locations, houses in large cities, , high-rise blocks of flats, depending on hermit s means.

examples of hermitages in western christian tradition: