Interactive Abbey Map
Explore the layout and key sections of Netley Abbey. Click on any section to view detailed information and a gallery of photographs.
Understanding the Abbey Layout
Netley Abbey follows the traditional Cistercian monastery plan, with the church dominating the northern end and the cloister serving as the heart of daily monastic life. The various chambers surrounding the cloister served different purposes, each playing a vital role in the community's spiritual and practical life.
The church's impressive nave features soaring pointed arches characteristic of gothic architecture. The chapter house, where monks assembled for important discussions, showcases the finest architectural details. The refectory served as the communal dining hall, while the dormitory provided sleeping quarters for the monastic community.
Today, visitors can walk through these spaces and imagine the daily rhythm of monastic life that sustained this community for centuries. Each stone tells a story of devotion, craftsmanship, and the passage of time.