Question

What were monasteries and what purpose did they serve?

Answer 1

Monasteries were religious institutions that people joined to live a life of prayer, contemplation, and solitude for the forgiveness of sins and the betterment of mankind. Monasteries were not limited to all these things, but I gave you a small example. Hope it helped!

Answer 2

Monasteries were places of worship where monks (religious men of obedience, typically Buddhist) communicated and prayed. This was their church, pretty much. They provided acceptance for these monks.