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What is the part of a cathedral that makes the floor plan into a cross?
transept, the area of a cruciform church lying at right angles to the principal axis. The bay at which the transept intersects the main body of the church is called the crossing. The transept itself is sometimes simply called the cross.
What type of architectural style was used in the construction of St John’s cathedral?
Romanesque Revival architecture
Related Information. Completed in 1925, St. John’s Cathedral is one of Los Angeles’ most monumental examples of Romanesque Revival architecture.
Why do cathedrals face east?
In the catholic liturgy, it describes an eastward orientation of celebrating Mass, according to the “cosmic sign of the rising sun which symbolizes the universality of God.” [1,2] It is interesting to note that the earliest churches in Rome had the main entrance facing east and an apse with the altar to the west; the …
How would you describe the interior of a cathedral?
The typical cathedral contains a narthex at the entrance, three aisles with the central being the nave, a transept that gives the church its cross shape, an open choir where the nave and transept meet, and an apse at the far end of the nave, containing the altar.
What are the main features of a Gothic cathedral?
The main characteristics of Gothic architecture include pointed arches, stained-glass windows, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, and spires.
What is buttressed wall?
buttress, in architecture, exterior support, usually of masonry, projecting from the face of a wall and serving either to strengthen it or to resist the side thrust created by the load on an arch or a roof.
Why are cathedrals shaped like a cross?
It is believed this shape was encouraged by the church to remind Knights of their religion. It was however very popular due to the protection it offered to the hand and certain attacks that rely on the cross to trap the blade of the enemy.
Do Catholics pray facing east?
In the fourth century, Saint Basil the Great declared that one of the many beliefs and practices that Christians derived not from written teaching but by the tradition of the apostles was to turn to the East when praying.
What did the Gothic cathedral symbolize?
Based on empirical technology, the medieval cathedral provided the Middle Ages with an impressive house of worship, a community center, a symbol of religious and civic pride, and a constant reminder of the power and presence of God and the church.