The Latin cross design essentially adds two lateral extensions (called “transepts”) to the original basilica layout, while the central plan design
essentially compresses the basilica into a square (or other shape with rotational symmetry, e.g. octagon, circle, Greek cross)
.
What makes a basilica different from a church?
A basilica is
a church with certain privileges conferred on it by the Pope
. Not all churches with “basilica” in their title actually have the ecclesiastical status, which can lead to confusion, since it is also an architectural term for a church-building style. … Such churches are referred to as immemorial basilicas.
What are the distinctive features of basilicas and central plan churches?
Basilicas are characterized by
longitudinal building plans, an atrium, narthex (entrance porch), portals, nave, side aisles, a clerestory, apse, and transept
. The Basilica was the pope’s church and came to signify his authority over all Christendom. ii. Central-plan churches were first used as tombs.
What is the central part of a basilica plan church called?
When a church contains side aisles, as in a basilica-type building, the strict definition of the term “
nave
” is restricted to the central aisle. In a broader, more colloquial sense, the nave includes all areas available for the lay worshippers, including the side-aisles and transepts.
What is the central church plan?
A structure with a central plan is
one organized around a central space as the middle of a near perfectly symmetrical layout
.
What are the characteristics of a basilica?
The main characteristics of a basilica church, established by the 4th century ad, were:
a rectangular plan with a longitudinal axis, a wooden roof and an e end, which was either rectangular or contained a semicircular apse
. The body of the church usually had a central nave and two flanking aisles.
What is the chancel used for in a church?
The chancel is generally the
area used by the clergy and choir during worship
, while the congregation is in the nave. … In smaller churches, where the altar is backed by the outside east wall and there is no distinct choir, the chancel and sanctuary may be the same area.
What is the purpose of a basilica?
The term basilica refers to the function of
a building as that of a meeting hall
. In ancient Rome, basilicas were the site for legal matters to be carried out and a place for business transactions. Architecturally, a basilica typically had a rectangular base that was split into aisles by columns and covered by a roof.
Is Notre Dame a basilica?
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Notre Dame, Indiana, USA, is
a Roman Catholic church
on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, also serving as the mother church of the Congregation of Holy Cross (C.S.C.) in the United States.
How many basilicas are there?
As of 2019, there are
1,814 Roman Catholic churches
that bear the title of basilica.
What are the two basic church plans?
The two basic types of church plan,
axial and central
, were both established during the fourth century.
Is the Pantheon a central plan?
In ancient Roman times,
centralized structures were used for tombs and temples
. Round temples were usually encircled by a peristyle, a famous exception being the Pantheon, which was the most admired building of antiquity in the Renaissance.
Which building is an example of a longitudinal plan?
Most cathedrals and great churches
have a cruciform groundplan. In churches of Western European tradition, the plan is usually longitudinal, in the form of the so-called Latin Cross with a long nave crossed by a transept.
What is the largest basilica in the world?
| Name | St. Peter’s Basilica | Built | 1506–1626 | City | Vatican City | Country | Vatican City | Denomination | Catholic (Latin) |
|---|
What is the room behind the altar called?
The sacristy
is usually located inside the church, but in some cases it is an annex or separate building (as in some monasteries). In most older churches, a sacristy is near a side altar, or more usually behind or on a side of the main altar.
What do you call the front of the church?
Nave
, central and principal part of a Christian church, extending from the entrance (the narthex
