The Interior Castle, or The Mansions, was written by St. Teresa of Ávila, the Spanish Discalced Carmelite nun and famed mystic, in 1577 as a guide for spiritual development through service and prayer. Inspired by her vision of the soul as a diamond in the shape of a castle containing seven mansions,...

The Interior Castle, or The Mansions, was written by St. Teresa of Ávila, the Spanish Discalced Carmelite nun and famed mystic, in 1577 as a guide for spiritual development through service and prayer. Inspired by her vision of the soul as a diamond in the shape of a castle containing seven mansions, she interpreted life as the journey of faith through seven stages, ending with union with God.