What Is A Nave In Architecture? Examples Of Famous Nave
What Is A Nave In Architecture?
The nave is the main area of a church that runs from the entrance or back wall to the transepts or chancel. In churches with side aisles, the nave refers specifically to the central aisle.
However, in a more general sense, the nave can also include the side aisles and transepts, which are open for congregational use. It is separate from the area designated for the choir and clergy.
In a basilican church, the nave refers specifically to the central aisle while the side aisles are separate. The nave is designated for the congregation, while the chancel, choir and presbytery are reserved for the clergy.
The division between the two areas may be marked by screens or parapets called cancelli. The term “nave” comes from the Latin word “navis” meaning “ship,” and it’s thought that the name may have been chosen because the ship was used as a symbol of the church.
History Of Naves
The first churches were modeled after the Roman basilica, a public building used for commerce with a central area surrounded by columns and high windows.
One example of this is Old St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine I and later replaced. In these churches, the nave was designated for the laypeople and the chancel for the clergy.
Medieval churches often had a rood screen separating the nave and chancel, often ornately decorated, a common feature in European churches from the 14th to the mid-16th century.
The nave was divided into sections called bays which created a sense of grand length, and the vertical aspect was emphasized. During the Renaissance churches had more balanced proportions rather than dramatic effects.
Uses Of Naves In Modern Society
Modern naves are widely used for a variety of purposes. They are often used as places of worship, gathering spaces for communities, and even educational or entertainment venues.
The nave is the part of a church set aside for worshippers and members of the laity, separated from the chancel, choir and presbytery which are reserved for clergy. This separation can be accomplished by the use of parapets called ‘cancelli’ or screens.
Naves typically include an aisle on either side of central seating that provides sight lines to an altar or pulpit.
It often contains stunning works of architectural art, depicting biblical scenes and texts, as well as statues and other images that serve to both beautify it while invoking thoughts of spiritual contemplation upon entering.
Naves have also become popular among recreational facilities such as museums, art galleries and theatres. Additionally, naves can be transformed into outdoor event venues that host weddings, corporate events or other festive occasions.
With their distinct architecture and ability to adapt to many uses, naves make an appealing addition to any modern space.
Examples Of Famous Nave
The nave is a prevalent architectural component in European churches and cathedrals, with Aarhus Cathedral in Denmark having the longest one. Notable examples of churches with naves include St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City, Canterbury Cathedral in England, and the Sistine Chapel.
These three buildings exhibit different architectural styles, with St. Peter’s and the Sistine Chapel being examples of Renaissance architecture and Canterbury Cathedral representing medieval architecture.
St. Peter’s Basilica, built in the 16th century, features a cross-shaped design with a dome at the crossing, and holds many holy relics and works of art.
Canterbury Cathedral, dating back to Saint Augustine’s time, has undergone multiple rebuilds and expansions, including a 600-year-old nave in the Romanesque style with rounded arches, stained-glass windows from the 10th and 11th centuries, memorials, and a marble font.
