The main body of the church where the congregation sits; large churches have a central nave and side aisles.
Numele vine din latină („navis” = corabie): Biserica este ca o corabie care îi poartă pe credincioși. Bisericile cu nave de înălțimi diferite se numesc bazilici; cele cu nave de aceeași înălțime — biserici-hală (ca Biserica Neagră din Brașov).
See also
- Chancel (presbytery)The part of the church, usually raised and facing east, where the altar stands and the clergy officiate.
- Nave (naos)The central part of the church where the faithful stand during services, between the narthex and the sanctuary.
- TranseptThe transverse arm crossing the nave in front of the chancel, giving the church a cross shape.
In the same category
- ApseThe semicircular or polygonal end of the church, usually to the east, where the altar stands.
- BaptisteryThe pool in which baptism by full immersion takes place, often behind the pulpit in Neo-Protestant churches.
- Bell towerThe tower or structure in which the bells hang; it can be attached to the church or stand separately.
- CellThe room where a monk or nun lives; also a small hermitage.
- Choir stall (strana)The wooden stalls in the church; the cantors sing from the stalls in front of the iconostasis.
- Deacons' DoorsThe two side doors of the iconostasis, used by deacons and servers; archangels are usually painted on them.