What is the center aisle of a church called?
The nave (/neɪv/) is the central part of a church, stretching from the (normally western) main entrance or rear wall, to the transepts, or in a church without transepts, to the chancel.
What are the areas of a cathedral called?
The typical cathedral contains a narthex at the entrance, three aisles with the central being the nave, a transept that gives the church its cross shape, an open choir where the nave and transept meet, and an apse at the far end of the nave, containing the altar.
What is the central space of a cathedral or basilica called?
Nave. The nave is the central aisle of a basilica church or the main body of a church between its rear wall and the far end of its intersection with the transept at the chancel.
What is the term for the long central space in a Gothic church?
nave. the central space of a church, two or three stories high and usually flanked by aisles. apse. a large semicircular or polygonal (and usually vaulted) recess on an end wall of a building. In a Christian church, it often contains the altar. "
What are parts of a church called?
The names for the parts of the church are in red after each number.
- Narthex.
- Façade towers.
- Nave.
- Aisles.
- Transept.
- Crossing.
- Altar.
- Apse.
What is between the sanctuary and the nave of the church?
The Narthex is at the opposite end of the church from the Sanctuary and helps us to prepare for the Mass as we leave the outside material world and enter the spiritual world of the Nave. The word Narthex is Greek for “giant funnel”.
What is the space around the altar called?
In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar, including the choir and the sanctuary (sometimes called the presbytery), at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building. It may terminate in an apse.
What is an apse in a church?
apse, in architecture, a semicircular or polygonal termination to the choir, chancel, or aisle of a secular or ecclesiastical building. First used in pre-Christian Roman architecture, the apse often functioned as an enlarged niche to hold the statue of a deity in a temple.
What is a cathedral apse?
apse, in architecture, a semicircular or polygonal termination to the choir, chancel, or aisle of a secular or ecclesiastical building. First used in pre-Christian Roman architecture, the apse often functioned as an enlarged niche to hold the statue of a deity in a temple.
What is the entrance of a cathedral called?
Narthex: The entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave. Nave: The primary area of public observance of the Mass. It is generally the largest space, and located between the narthex and sanctuary.
What are the 5 parts of the church?
- 1 Vestibule. In the Catholic church, the vestibule is usually the first area encountered upon entering the church. …
- 2 Nave. The nave is the area of the church where parishioners, or members of the church, sit or stand. …
- 3 Sanctuary. …
- 4 Choir Loft. …
- 5 Non-Traditional.
Jun 27, 2018
What is a vestibule in a church?
A vestibule is a little area just inside the main door of a building, but before a second door. You often find vestibules in churches, because they help keep heat from escaping every time someone enters or exits.
What is the vestibule in a Catholic church?
In Roman Catholic and some Anglican churches the vestibule has a practical purpose. It is usually a spacious area which holds church information such as literature, pamphlets, and bulletin announcements. It also houses the holy water for worshippers.
What is the area behind the pulpit called?
The chancel is generally the area used by the clergy and choir during worship, while the congregation is in the nave.
What is the room behind the altar called?
sacristy sacristy, also called vestry, in architecture, room in a Christian church in which vestments and sacred objects used in the services are stored and in which the clergy and sometimes the altar boys and the choir members put on their robes.
What is a church alcove called?
APSE. a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church; usually contains the altar.
What is a quire in a cathedral?
choir, in architecture, area of a church designed to accommodate the liturgical singers, located in the chancel, between the nave and the altar. In some churches the choir is separated from the nave by an ornamental partition called a choir screen, or more frequently by a choir rail. choir.
What is the front of a cathedral called?
Facade: The outside of the church, where the main doors are located. In traditional medieval design, this faced the west and is called the West End. Narthex: The entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave. Nave: The primary area of public observance of the Mass.
What is the altar area of a church called?
In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar, including the choir and the sanctuary (sometimes called the presbytery), at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building.
What is the entryway to a church called?
The narthex is an architectural element typical of early Christian and Byzantine basilicas and churches consisting of the entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave, opposite the church's main altar.
What is a church foyer?
Definitions of foyer. a large entrance or reception room or area. synonyms: antechamber, anteroom, entrance hall, hall, lobby, vestibule. types: narthex. a vestibule leading to the nave of a church.
What is the area around the altar called?
In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar, including the choir and the sanctuary (sometimes called the presbytery), at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building. It may terminate in an apse.
What are the parts of a Roman Catholic church?
- 1 The Vestibule. Just inside the entrance to a Catholic church is the vestibule. …
- 2 The Nave. The interior church doors open up to the nave, or main room of a Catholic church. …
- 3 The Sanctuary. The sanctuary is at the front of a Roman Catholic church. …
- 4 The Altar and Tabernacle. …
- 5 Stained Glass and Statues.
Sep 29, 2017
What is the back room of a Catholic church called?
In most older churches, a sacristy is near a side altar, or more usually behind or on a side of the main altar. In newer churches the sacristy is often in another location, such as near the entrances to the church.
What is an apse in a cathedral?
apse, in architecture, a semicircular or polygonal termination to the choir, chancel, or aisle of a secular or ecclesiastical building. First used in pre-Christian Roman architecture, the apse often functioned as an enlarged niche to hold the statue of a deity in a temple.
What is the top of a cathedral called?
spire A spire is a tall, slender, pointed structure on top of a roof or tower, especially at the summit of church steeples. A spire may have a square, circular, or polygonal plan, with a roughly conical or pyramidal shape.
What is the chancel used for in a church?
chancel, portion of a church that contains the choir, often at the eastern end. Before modern changes in church practice, only clergy and choir members were permitted in the chancel.
What is the raised area in the front of a church called?
Location of pulpit and lectern In many Christian churches, there are two speakers' stands at the front of the church. Often, the one on the left (as viewed by the congregation) is called the pulpit. Since the Gospel lesson is often read from the pulpit, the pulpit side of the church is sometimes called the gospel side.
What is a church vestibule?
In Roman Catholic and some Anglican churches the vestibule has a practical purpose. It is usually a spacious area which holds church information such as literature, pamphlets, and bulletin announcements. It also houses the holy water for worshippers.
What is the front entrance of a church called?
narthex The narthex is an architectural element typical of early Christian and Byzantine basilicas and churches consisting of the entrance or lobby area, located at the west end of the nave, opposite the church's main altar.