What is the purpose of narthex?

What is the purpose of narthex?

The purpose of the narthex was to allow those not eligible for admittance into the general congregation (particularly catechumens and penitents) to hear and partake of the service.

What is a Northex?

1 : the portico of an ancient church. 2 : a vestibule leading to the nave of a church.

What does nave mean in art?

nave The central longitudinal space of a bascilican church. It is usually flanked on its lond sides by aislas which are separated from the nave by columns or piers.

What is the difference between vestibule and narthex?

As nouns the difference between vestibule and narthex is that vestibule is (architecture) a passage, hall or room, such as a lobby, between the outer door and the interior of a building while narthex is (architecture) a western vestibule leading to the nave in some (especially orthodox) christian churches.

What is difference between nave and narthex?

In context|architecture|lang=en terms the difference between nave and narthex. is that nave is (architecture) the middle or body of a church, extending from the transepts to the principal entrances while narthex is (architecture) a western vestibule leading to the nave in some (especially orthodox) christian churches.

Why is it called a nave?

The term nave derives from the Latin navis, meaning “ship,” and it has been suggested that it may have been chosen to designate the main body of the building because the ship had been adopted as a symbol of the church.

What is the altar area of a church called?

chancel
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 the ceiling of a church called?

Vault (architecture) – Wikipedia.

What is the main aisle of a church called?

nave
In a basilican church (see basilica), which has side aisles, nave refers only to the central aisle. The nave is that part of a church set apart for the laity, as distinguished from the chancel, choir, and presbytery, which are reserved for the choir and clergy.

What is the back of a church called?

The chancel is generally the area used by the clergy and choir during worship, while the congregation is in the nave.

What is narthex vestibule?