What does narthex mean in architecture?

narthex, long, narrow, enclosed porch, usually colonnaded or arcaded, crossing the entire width of a church at its entrance.

What is a narthex?

The narthex is an enclosed porch or meeting area just inside the Western entrance of a Christian church. It was a designated in the early Christian era, probably between the third and fourth century, for those who were not allowed to enter the main worship area, the nave, but who still wanted to hear the sermon.

What is the difference between a narthex and vestibule?

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.

How would you describe a church architecture?

Though church architecture has taken on many forms and levels of complexity over time, core elements are all still present today. Some of these architectural components include the steeple, portals, apse, and buttresses. Also included are components of style such as crosses and stained glass.

Why is it called a narthex?

Many times the narthex is covered or even inside the church building rather than an outside porch, though it can be that, as well. The word comes from Greek and means “giant fennel.” Supposedly, the term came to be used for a church narthex because the area looked like a hollow stem or tube, like a hollow fennel.

What Catechumen means?

catechumen, a person who receives instruction in the Christian religion in order to be baptized.

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 church architecture important?

The history of architecture is concerned more with religious buildings than with any other type, because in most past cultures the universal and exalted appeal of religion made the church or temple the most expressive, the most permanent, and the most influential building in any community.

What is the church building called?

A cathedral is a church, usually Catholic, Anglican, Oriental Orthodox or Eastern Orthodox, housing the seat of a bishop. The word cathedral takes its name from cathedra, or Bishop’s Throne (In Latin: ecclesia cathedralis).

What is the difference between nave and sanctuary?

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.

What is the meaning of the word narthex?

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

What is the difference between narthex and exonarthex?

Narthex, long, narrow, enclosed porch, usually colonnaded or arcaded, crossing the entire width of a church at its entrance. The narthex is usually separated from the nave by columns or a pierced wall, and in Byzantine churches the space is divided into two parts; an exonarthex forms the outer entrance to…

Why is the narthex important in church design?

No matter the religious affiliation, it is clear that the Narthex is a key element in church design. In 1965 the firm was commissioned to update military religious buildings for the US Corps of Engineers.

What is the difference between narthex and nave?

Narthex. Narthex, long, narrow, enclosed porch, usually colonnaded or arcaded, crossing the entire width of a church at its entrance. The narthex is usually separated from the nave by columns or a pierced wall, and in Byzantine churches the space is divided into two parts; an exonarthex forms the outer entrance to…