A courtyard is an outdoor area that's partly or completely surrounded by the walls of a building or group of buildings. Picture stepping through a doorway and finding yourself in an open space with sky above but walls on all sides, like a room without a roof.

Courtyards appear in buildings around the world, from ancient Roman villas to modern apartment complexes. A school might have a courtyard where students eat lunch or play during recess, protected from wind but open to sunlight and fresh air. Museums often feature courtyards with fountains or gardens where visitors can rest between exhibits. Some homes, especially in hot climates, include courtyards that provide shade and cooling breezes while keeping the space private.

The design is clever: courtyards bring natural light and air into the center of large buildings while creating a peaceful retreat from busy streets outside. Architects have used this idea for thousands of years because it solves practical problems, like ventilation and lighting, while creating pleasant spaces for people to gather.

When you hear about a courtyard garden or courtyard café, it means that garden or café sits within that sheltered outdoor space, enjoying both openness and protection at the same time.