Orlandos - Page 2 of 2

Colonnade – Architectural Elements Of Churches

Colonnade A colonnade is a row of columns relatively closely spaced, usually in a straight line connected by an architrave or arches. It is a characteristic element of basilica construction. A colonnade is the same as a portico. Sequences of round columns alternating with square-sided pillars in a distinct rhythm do not count as colonnades. …

Colonnade – Architectural Elements Of Churches Read More »

Ciborium – Architectural Elements Of Churches

System / By Youssef Matta

Ciborium A ciborium is a freestanding, columned structure, surmounted by a cupola or, less commonly, a pyramid, that protects and architecturally emphasizes an altar, tomb, or throne. It may be put up in the open or inside a building. The terms “ciborium” and “baldachin” are often used synonymously in English, but a baldachin was originally …

Ciborium – Architectural Elements Of Churches Read More »

Cancelli – Architectural Elements Of Churches

System / By Youssef Matta

Cancelli Cancelli (Greek, kankelloi) are screens used to enclose the presbytery (see below), the part of an early Christian church reserved for the clergy. The area enclosed, also called the bema, hierateion, abaton, adyton, or hapsis (apse, see above), contained the altar; it could be entered by the laity only for the reception of the …

Cancelli – Architectural Elements Of Churches Read More »

Atrium – Architectural Elements Of Churches

System / By Youssef Matta

Atrium An atrium is an approximately square courtyard surrounded on four or at least three sides by porticoes. It was the chief interior court of a Roman house, as a peristyle was in a Greek house. An atrium served as an entrance court in many early Christian churches and continued in use in the West …

Atrium – Architectural Elements Of Churches Read More »

Apse – Architectural Elements Of Churches

System / By Youssef Matta

Apse An apse is an extension of a rectangular hall, usually semicircular and roofed by a semicircular dome. Because of its strong visual effect, it draws every eye to itself and therefore was used in Roman temples to display the image of the god and in Roman basilicas for the emperor’s throne. For similar reasons, …

Apse – Architectural Elements Of Churches Read More »

Aisle – Architectural Elements Of Churches

System / By Youssef Matta

Aisle An aisle is a passage on the side of the nave in a basilica-plan church. It is narrower than the nave and is usually separated from it by a row of columns connected by an architrave (beam) or arches. The purpose of aisles is to enlarge the interior of a church beyond the nave. …

Aisle – Architectural Elements Of Churches Read More »