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The ambulatory (Template:Langx 'walking place') is the covered passage around a cloister or the processional way around the east end of a cathedral or large church and behind the high altar.<ref name="Ching2011">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Archambault">Template:Cite book</ref> The first ambulatory was in France in the 11th century but by the 13th century ambulatories had been introduced in England and many English cathedrals were extended to provide an ambulatory.<ref>Ambulatory</ref>
The same feature is often found in Indian architecture and Buddhist architecture generally, especially in older periods. Ritual circumambulation or parikrama around a stupa or cult image is important in Buddhism and Hinduism. Often the whole building was circumambulated, often many times. The Buddhist chaitya hall always allowed a path for this, and the Durga temple, Aihole (7th or 8th century) is a famous Hindu example.
The term is also used to describe a garden feature in the grounds of a country house. A typical example is the one shown, which stands in the grounds of Horton Court in Gloucestershire, England.<ref>Template:NHLE</ref>
- Ambulatory at Horton Court (geograph 2275454).jpg
Horton Court ambulatory, c.1527
- 0 Venise, basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari.JPG
Ambulatory of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice.
- Bóvedas del ambulatorio de la Basílica del Voto Nacional, Quito 01.jpg
Ambulatory of the Basilica of the National Vow in Quito.
- Saint-Quentin - Basilique Saint Quentin - Ambulatory East of the Choir - Fisheye image of Main Nave, Organ, Crossing, Choir & Stained glass windows of the ambulatory 10.jpg
Ambulatory of the Basilica of Saint-Quentin in Saint-Quentin.
- Saint-Séverin Ambulatory, Paris, France - Diliff.jpg
Ambulatory of Saint-Séverin in Paris.
Medical termEdit
Ambulatory is also an adjective used to describe
- patients who can walk despite their illness or injury.<ref>ambulatory</ref>
- outpatients generally including those needing a wheelchair.
- medical staff providing outpatient care (see Ambulatory care nursing, Ambulatist).
- medical procedures that do not ordinarily require an overnight stay in hospital (see Ambulatory care).
- Canes or other walking aids can be called ambulatory assistive devices.<ref>ambulatory</ref>