What does the term "ambulatory" refer to in a church or monastery?

The term "ambulatory" refers specifically to a space designed for walking, particularly an aisle that runs around the apse of a church or monastery. This architectural feature allows for the circulation of people, providing a way to move within the structure without disrupting the central worship area.

In the context of a church, the ambulatory enhances the liturgical experience by enabling processions and other activities while allowing worshippers to access altars or chapels without interfering with the main service. This design can often be seen in large churches, especially those built in the Romanesque and Gothic styles, where the ambulatory aids in transitioning between different areas of the building.

The other choices do not accurately capture the definition of "ambulatory." A place for holding services relates more to the overall function of a church rather than a specific architectural feature. An area for religious relics usually refers to a shrine or reliquary, rather than a walking space. Meanwhile, a decorative feature on windows pertains to stained glass or architectural embellishments, which is unrelated to the concept of an ambulatory.