A basilica in the Roman world was normally a public building, used for court cases and as a market place. A basilica often served as a roofed extension to the Forum.
Normally a basilica would be a rectangular building divided in three or more naves by rows of columns. The central nave was taller than the lateral naves, allowing for a series of windows above the lateral naves to give light to the central nave.
Famous Roman basilicas:
- Basilica Julia in the Forum Romanum, Rome
- Basilica Aemilia in the Forum Romanum, Rome
- Basilica of Maxentius in the Forum Romanum, Rome
- Basilica Ulpia in Trajan’s Forum, Rome
- Basilica of Pompeii
The basilica became the model for many Christian churches, even though the basilica was a strictly secular edifice.
Famous Christian Basilicas:
- Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Rome
- San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome
- Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome
- Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome
Pages related to "Basilica"
- Basilica
- Basilica Aemilia
- Basilica Julia
- Basilica Ulpia
- San Giovanni in Laterano
- Santa Maria Maggiore
- Santa Maria sopra Minerva
- Santi Giovanni e Paolo