How “Hagioscope” Windows Offered a Holy Peek of the Host to Medieval Catholics

In the architecture of some medieval Catholic churches today, an unusual feature captures the curiosity of pilgrims: the hagioscope.

Originating from a blend of Greek words for ‘holy’ and ‘to see,’ hagioscopes are small, angled openings through church walls. Commonly known as a “squint,” it provided a glimpse of the altar to those who were not permitted within the main body of the church.

These openings, often angled, were not mere whims of design but born out of necessity. In times when leprosy and other conditions necessitated separation from the community, these windows offered a way for the afflicted to participate in the mass without direct contact. Situated at eye level and cut through the church’s walls, the hagioscope enabled a view of the altar, making the elevation of the Host visible to those outside the central nave.

While the primary audience for hagioscopes were individuals marginalized by health issues, their use extended to others seeking solace and connection through the church’s rituals without physically being within the nave.

This includes Anchorite hermits and those who took vows of isolation, finding in these openings a bridge to the communal worship they otherwise had to forgo. Similarly, nuns in cloistered contemplation found in the hagioscope a portal through which they could remain connected to the communal heart of worship.

Interestingly, the presence of hagioscopes speaks to the adaptability of church design to societal needs, merging architecture with inclusivity. Predominantly found in the United Kingdom, these architectural vestiges are less common in continental Europe.

Today, while their practical purpose has faded, hagioscopes remain a fascinating element of church architecture. They remind us of the Church’s mission to bring the sacred mysteries closer to every believer, transcending physical and societal boundaries!

Photo credit: Jean-Marc Pascolo via Wikimedia Commons