List of church architecture terms

Rood screen: used for dividing the chancel from the nave

Ornate choir stalls at Buxheim

Cloister and arcades

List of church architecture terms. The terms used in church architecture were developed first for the Gothic architecture cathedrals of the mediaeval era. The terms, with variations, are used for all kinds of Christian churches.

Horizontal layout

• Nave, where the congregation sits.
  • Usually, rows of columns or pillars support the roof above the nave.
  • Central aisle: The central space contained between these rows of columns or pillars is called the central aisle. By definition, the central aisle runs longitudinally (from west to east).
  • Side-aisles: Narrower corridor-like spaces usually flank the central aisle: they are called side-aisles. By definition, the side-aisles run longitudinally (from west to east) parallel to the central aisle. The longitudinal rows of columns or pillars mark virtual separation between the central aisle and its side-aisles. Many churches have two side-aisles flanking its central aisle. Some have four side-aisles (two side-aisles running on each side of the central aisle).
  • Bays: while aisles run through the nave longitudinally (from west to east), bays are virtual spaces that run through the nave transversally (from south to north). Every new set of columns (or pillars) in the nave creates a new bay running from the south wall to the north wall. A person walking down the nave from west to east in a straight line will successively traverse every bay of the nave; each time this person walks between two columns (or pillars), it enters a new bay.
• The transept makes the cross shape.
  • The crossing is where the transept crosses the nave.
• The quire (choir) is the area between the nave and the 'sacred' area (the presbytery and sanctuary). The quire is separated from the nave by a 'rood screen'. It often has choir stalls where members of the choir sit.
• Liturgical east end:
  • The presbytery is where the priest(s) conduct liturgy, such as Mass.
  • The sanctuary, not pictured here, is where the altar is.
  • The ambulatory (from the Latin 'to walk'), space for walking, with radiating chapels around the outer wall of the ambulatory.

Other terms

• Altar: any structure where offerings are made for religious purposes.
• Apse: round (hemi-spherical) part at east end of church.
• Chancel: space around the altar
• Lancet window: tall, thin window, often pointed at top.
• Reredos: decorated screen behind altar
• Rood screen or chancel screen: decorated screen which divides the chancel from the nave.