Monastery canonically erected and independent, ruled by an abbot, if occupied by monks, and if by nuns, by an abbess. The community must number at least twelve religious. Principal parts of an abbey are:
The chief abbey buildings are constructed around a quadrangle; in the more usual English plan the church is on the northern side.
Monasteries of the Carthusians differ from those of other orders. Three sides of their quadrangular cloister are flanked by small three-room cottages occupied by individual monks. The church, refectory, and other buildings used in common enclose the fourth side.