Questions and Answers
What is the central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation?
What is the portion of a basilica flanking the nave called?
Aisles
What part of a church intersects the nave at a right angle?
Transept
What is the part of the church usually beyond the transept in line with the nave called?
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What is the area at the western entrance of some early Christian churches called?
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What is the large semicircular recess at the eastern end of a church called?
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What is the home church of a Bishop that contains the bishop's chair?
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What is the walkway behind the high altar in a church called?
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What are the side posts of a medieval portal referred to as?
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What is the continuous molding framing an arch in architecture called?
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What is the space enclosed by a lintel and an arch over a doorway known as?
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What is the column or post found at the center of a large portal called?
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Study Notes
Nave
- Central area of a church where most of the congregation gathers.
Aisles
- Areas flanking the nave, separated by columns or piers, providing additional space for worshippers.
Transept
- Section of the church that intersects the nave at a right angle, creating a cross-shaped layout.
Choir
- Area located beyond the transept, aligned with the nave's axis, typically used for singing and worship.
Narthex
- Antechamber or porch at the western entrance of early Christian churches, often used by catechumens and penitents.
Apse
- Large semicircular or polygonal recess found at the eastern end of a church, often housing the altar and featuring an arched or domed roof.
Chapel/Cathedral
- Designated area or building where religious services are held; the bishop’s home church containing the bishop's chair (cathedra).
Ambulatory
- Walkway behind the high altar connecting it to chapels at the east end and adjacent aisles near the chancel.
Jamb
- Vertical side posts framing a medieval portal, providing structural support and decoration.
Archivolts
- Continuous molding framing an arch, often adorned with concentric bands in Romanesque or Gothic architecture, emphasizing the tympanum.
Tympanum
- Space enclosed above a doorway by a lintel and an arch, frequently decorated with sculptures or reliefs.
Trumeau
- Central support column or post in a large portal, crucial for supporting the lintel above the doorway.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the components of a cathedral with this quiz focused on key architectural terms. Learn about the nave, aisles, transept, and choir while enhancing your understanding of church structures. Perfect for students of humanities or architecture enthusiasts.
