kapel

A kapel is a small Christian place of worship. In Dutch and other languages, the term covers chapels attached to larger churches, monasteries, castles, universities, hospitals, or other institutions, as well as private chapels within homes or estates. A chapel is typically smaller than a parish church and may serve as a dedicated space for daily prayer, devotional services, or rites such as weddings and funerals. Chapels can function independently or as auxiliary spaces within a larger ecclesiastical or secular complex.

Furnishings and features vary by function and era, but many chapels include an altar, seating for a limited congregation, and devotional objects such as statues or imagery. Some have organ lofts, stained glass, or windows. The architectural style ranges from simple, single-aisle rooms to richly decorated structures integrated into cathedrals, castles, palaces, or university campuses.

Types and contexts: A chapel may be a private or family chapel within a residence, a hospital chapel serving patients and staff, a college or university chapel used for worship and ceremonies, or a royal or ceremonial chapel within a palace or fortress. In larger church complexes, side chapels or chapel chapels may honor specific saints or relics and host smaller liturgies separate from the main services.

Etymology: The word chapel derives from Old French chapelle, from Late Latin capella, from Latin cappa meaning cloak or cape, a reference to the origin of some chapels as small shrines within larger sacred spaces.