Chapel

In Christian popular culture a chapel is perceived as safe place, from unnatural forces and even from simple criminals. Though this safety is commonly perceived to extend everywhere in the building and not the chapel alone, possibly even as far as the temple grounds outside up to some perimeter, such as as a fence, wall or whatever is out there (hallow grounds).

Chapel is primarily Christian concept while oratory is essentially the same thing. Chapels are also sometimes called sanctuaries. Other religions don't seem to have synonyms for either oratories or chapels, though oratory is probably closer to what they actually mean (not always, predominance of silent prayer for example). For Christians the word oratory has fallen out of use in favor of chapel.

Private oratories and chapels have existed and still do, so neither can be considered more open than the other.

Parent:
* Temple / church - the whole structure