A Peristyle

1. A colonnade surrounding a courtyard, temple, etc., or the yard enclosed by such columns. [from 17th c.]
2. A porch surrounded by columns. [from 17th c.]
3. (voodoo) A sacred roofed courtyard with a central pillar (the potomitan), used as a space for voodoo ceremonies, either alone or as an adjunct to an enclosed temple or altar-room