Explain the role of monasteries in Medieval Europe.

Following were the roles of monasteries in Medieval Europe:

1. Monasteries helped in spreading Christianity in Europe and other parts of world. The Monks travelled to every nook and corner of the world to spread the message of Christ.
2. The Nuns and Monks of monasteries educated children. Some monasteries developed into famous universities like the Oxford and the Cambridge.
3. Monasteries played a significant role in preserving and spreading knowledge. They hand-copied and preserved books like the Bible and prayer books, besides copies of Latin and Greek books.
4. Monasteries did a great service to mankind with their motto —'service to society'. They looked after the sick and wounded, provided shelter to the travellers as well as food and clothing to the poor.
5. Monasteries emerged as the centres of art and architecture encouraging woodcarving, mural paintings, art of making stained glass, etc.
6. Monasteries had their own lands and brought barren lands into cultivation.