Where monasterys luxurious?

Answer 1

No, definitely not.

Stone walls were often elaborately decorated with carvings and some rooms (particularly the refectory and chapter house) might have painted designs on the walls, but monasteries were drafty, cold and sombre places.

The only warmth allowed was in the calefactory (warming room) and in the Abbot's lodging; the dormitory, latrines, church, chapter house and other parts of the complex were unheated.

Imagine being a monk, sleeping fully dressed in a reasonably warm bed (wooden frame, straw mattress, a single sheet and blanket) and being roused at around 2 am to go into the freezing cold church to sing Matins and Lauds. Some monasteries allowed the monks to wear layers of fur (pelices) under their habits.

Luxury is about making yourself feel comfortable, relaxed and pampered - none of those things were permitted. Selfish and self-gratifying thoughts were sinful and monks were taught to put the worship of God at the front of everything, then the work of God and studying religious texts. Humility was the greatest personal characteristic - accepting hardship without complaint and putting youself last in all things.

Luxury was a totally alien concept.