Nef - what is it? The meaning of the word "nave". Nave in architecture

Nave is one of the main elements of the European temple architecture. What does this term mean? Where does it come from? What are the main features of naves in architecture? This will be discussed in our article.

The nave is ... The origin of the term

Temple architecture is truly amazing and admirable. Looking at the majestic cathedrals with pointed spiers and huge stained-glass windows, it's hard to believe that this beauty was created by man. We will talk about one of the key elements of the temple architecture in this article.

What is the nave? By this term is meant a part of the temple building, intended directly for the believers' stay. What is the meaning of the word "nave"? This architectural term comes from the Latin word navis, which translates as "ship".

Indeed, the nave is a longitudinal element in the construction of the temple, a room very reminiscent of the shape of a ship or ship. It is no accident that it has such an elongated form, thus symbolizing the Christian's long way to salvation. In other words, the church is nothing but a ship that will lead a true believer through all the storms and waves of the raging ocean of life.

Basilica as a type of construction

Basilica (from Ancient Greek - "the house of the king") - a special type of construction, rectangular in plan. It consists of an odd number of naves, different in their height.

The basilica includes several architectural elements. It:

• Naves (central, lateral);
• transept;
• The environment;
• Narthex;
• Bell-towers;
• Chapel;
• apse;
• Chorus;
• Deambulary.

If there are several naves in the basilica, then they are separated inside columns or pillars. In this case, the central (as a rule, the highest) is illuminated at the top by windows of the second tier of the building.

The first basilicas began to build the ancient Greeks. Then this type of structure was borrowed by the architects of the Roman Empire.

So, what is the nave in the temple architecture, we discussed. Now let's look at this element in more detail.

Nave in the architecture of the cathedrals

So, in the temple architecture, the nef refers to the longitudinal, elongated part of the interior, which is bounded (on one or both sides) by a series of columns.

Most often in the European cathedrals three naves (less often - one or five). In this case, the central is always distinguished in height and width. The division of the temple structure into naves takes place in the Gothic architecture, in the Baroque, and in the classicism.

This element is used not only in the temple architecture, but also in the secular architecture. So, for example, a three-nave space organization solution can often be observed in the interiors of libraries, as well as in many subway stations.

What is a transept?

Transsept is another basic element in the architecture of buildings such as the basilica. In fact, it is the same nave, only transverse, not longitudinal. Although in the cross-domed churches the nave and the transept can often have the same length, forming in the plan an ideal cross in shape.

As a rule, this architectural element extends beyond the building. Such protrusions-edges are called apses. Crossing with the longitudinal nave of the cathedral, the transept forms a siderebrate. It, in turn, serves as the basis for a temple dome, a tower or a spire.

Decoration of the naves

Nephi in the church is often decorated with so-called rose windows, which are fringed with stucco ornaments or patterns. The windows themselves can be decorated in stained glass.

The portals and columns of the naves are also often decorated with adorned stone carvings. The walls can be complemented by an elegant painting. Flaming Gothic is exactly that style in architecture for which the rich decoration of naves with ornaments, carvings and patterns is the norm. The most striking examples of this architectural direction are the Cathedral in Reims, Rouen and Chartres Cathedral.

Nefy-record-holders of Europe

The longest naves in Europe are in the following cathedrals:

1. The cathedral in Århus, Denmark (the length of the nave is 93 meters).
2. St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland (91 meters).
3. The Burg Cathedral, France (91 meters).
4. St. Peter's Cathedral, Vatican (91 meters).
5. Church of St. Alban, Great Britain (84 meters).

The highest naves in Europe are in the following temples:

1. St. Peter's Cathedral in Beauvais, France (height of the nave - 48 meters).
2. St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican, Italy (46 meters).
3. Milan Cathedral, Italy (45 meters).

Undoubtedly, the most outstanding construction of Europe of the basilic type is the St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. This is the largest Christian temple in the whole world! St. Peter's Cathedral is the center of the Catholic Church. And its dome is 133 meters high - one of the most famous symbols of Rome.

In the interiors of the cathedral - a lot of tombstones and sculptures, which are real works of art of the Renaissance. It is curious that on the floor of the central nave, the marks of other majestic cathedrals of the world are indicated, according to which one can compare their sizes with the parameters of the temple in the Vatican.

St. Peter's Basilica is a three-nave basilica. Under it is a crypt, in which are stored 23 sarcophagi with the Popes, as well as the tomb of the Apostle Peter.

The Nefs of Moscow

Nephi can be found in the architecture of the Russian capital. Most of these churches in Moscow are three-nave. These are the Kremlin cathedrals - the Archangel and the Assumption, the church of Boris and Gleb, and the Resurrection Church in Sokolniki.

The Archangel Cathedral is one of the oldest temples in Russia, which was built in the middle of the 13th century. It has five chapters. The second storey of the building is occupied by choirs. Under the cathedral there is a necropolis, in which the remains of ancient Russian princes and kings lie. Here are buried Ivan Kalita and Dmitry Donskoy, Tsar Ivan the Terrible and others (total 56 burials).

Resurrection Church in Sokolniki was built in the early twentieth century in the style of "modern". The plan has the form of a cross. The altar of the church is directed to the south, which is unusual for Orthodox churches. The architect PA Tolstykh used a unique method in designing the building: the church floor is tilted towards the altar. This allows all believers to freely observe the divine services.

Finally

Thus, the nave is one of the main elements in the basilic structures. It is actively used in various types of structures, but most often it is in the temple architecture. "The inventors" of the nave in the architecture are considered the ancient Greeks.