Abbey/ˈæbi/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Religious Origins Originally, abbeys were places for religious devotees to lead a communal life The monks at the abbey devote their lives to prayer and study. Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Significance Many abbeys are historical landmarks and part of cultural heritage. The abbey remains an iconic reminder of the medieval period. Pro Tip 3/3Historic Architecture Abbeys may feature unique architectural styles, attracting tourists and scholars. The abbey is famous for its Gothic architecture.