Table of Contents
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia the Cenacle (the site of the Last Supper) in Jerusalem was the “first Christian church.” The Dura-Europos church in Syria is the oldest surviving church building in the world, while the archaeological remains of both the Aqaba Church and the Megiddo church have been considered to …
nave, central and principal part of a Christian church, extending from the entrance (the narthex) to the transepts (transverse aisle crossing the nave in front of the sanctuary in a cruciform church) or, in the absence of transepts, to the chancel (area around the altar).
The word “nave” comes from the Latin word for “ship”, navis, because people in the Middle Ages thought a nave looked like the bottom part of a ship turned upside-down. You can see the two rows of columns, and the three naves (or one nave and two aisles) between the columns, and the apse at the other end.
What is the purpose of a transept?
transept A rectangular area which cuts across the main axis of a basilica-type building and projects beyond it. The transept gives a basilica the shape of a Latin cross and usually serves to separate the main area of the building from an apse at the end.
Where does the congregation sit inside of a Gothic cathedral?
Gothic cathedrals generally have two towers flanking the entrance. The apse is the rounded end of the nave. It may happen that the choir sits there as the diagram above suggests or it may happen that the choir sits at the crossing.
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.
transept, the area of a cruciform church lying at right angles to the principal axis. The nave of a church with a cruciform plan usually extends toward the west from the crossing, the choir and sanctuary toward the east.
As nouns the difference between sanctuary and nave is that sanctuary is a place of safety, refuge or protection while nave is (architecture) the middle or body of a church, extending from the transepts to the principal entrances or nave can be a hub of a wheel.
Where is the transept in a church?
transept, the area of a cruciform church lying at right angles to the principal axis. The bay at which the transept intersects the main body of the church is called the crossing. The transept itself is sometimes simply called the cross.
What is the room behind the altar called?
sacristy
A sacristy, also known as a vestry or preparation room, is a room in Christian churches for the keeping of vestments (such as the alb and chasuble) and other church furnishings, sacred vessels, and parish records.
The point where the nave and this intersect is called the crossing. Beyond the crossing lies the sanctuary, whether apse, choir, or chevet.