Venipedia - User contributions [en-gb]

Church

2013-11-08T12:03:22Z

IanMaitland:

[[File:SMDV.JPG|right|thumb|Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione]]
A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:ChurchDiagram.jpeg|left|thumb|Typical Church Floor Plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

===Sacristy===
The sacristy is located behind the apse and is where the materials for communion are stored. This is also where the priest will enter from and exit to before and after a mass.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

Church

2013-11-08T11:51:29Z

IanMaitland:

[[File:SMDV.JPG|right|thumb|Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione]]
A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:ChurchDiagram.jpeg|left|thumb|Typical Church Floor Plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

File:ChurchDiagram.jpeg

2013-11-08T11:34:19Z

IanMaitland: Generic floor plan

Generic floor plan

Church

2013-11-08T11:30:34Z

IanMaitland:

[[File:SMDV.JPG|right|thumb|Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione]]
A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:GenericChurchFloorPlan.gif|left|thumb|Typical Church Floor Plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

Church

2013-11-08T11:26:24Z

IanMaitland:

[[File:SMDV.JPG|right|thumb|Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione]]
A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:Generic_Church_Floor_Plan.gif|left|thumb|Typical Church Floor Plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

Bell tower

2013-11-08T11:07:15Z

IanMaitland:

''This article contains information about a typical Venetian bell tower. For an overview of all the bell towers, see [[Bell towers]].''

''This section needs improvement.'' 
A Venetian bell tower, known in Italian as ''campanile'', is used to house many [[Bells]]. A bell tower is typically named based on the church it is associated with.

==Bell Tower Structure==
[[File:AnatomyOfABellTower_SanMarco.jpg|400px|thumb|right| Bell tower structure]] There are four main components to the structure of a bell tower: base, shaft, belfry, and spire. Each of these contributes to the overall style and integrity of the tower.

===Base===
The main purpose of the base is to maintain the structural integrity of the tower. The walls at the base of the tower are often thicker than those at the top. Non-porous materials are used so that it is resistant to salt water from flooding and heavy enough to withstand the pressure from the weight of the tower.

===Shaft===
The shaft is the part that contributes to the height of the tower and contains stairs, ramps, and landings that lead to the belfry. It is usually constructed of brick and mortar, which varied in strength based on the year that it was constructed. Brick makers improved upon the method for making bricks so that bricks could withstand a greater amount of pressure. In addition, to provide the tower with greater flexibility and support, some towers were built using metal rods.

===Belfry===
The belfry, located above the shaft, contains the bells and usually some type of landing. On the exterior, it is generally the most ornate part of the tower, built using brick and other types of stone or clay. Typically, there are windows or arched openings that let light through and occasionally netting to keep pigeons from entering. The bells are hung from the top of the belfry with wood, although some newer towers use metal. It has been found, however, that the vibration of the bell through the metal to the walls increases deterioration.

===Roof===
Above the belfry there may be an attic which provides additional storage or access to the top of the tower for maintenance. There may also be a balustrade, or a balcony with a railing that runs around the outside of the attic. This is usually accessible from the attic, so that one may enjoy a more expansive view and have additional access to the roof. To get to the attic, there is either a ladder or stairway.

The spire varies depending on the tower, but it can have many shapes: conical, pyramidal, bulbous, and others. On top of the spire there can also be a finial which ranges from functional, such as a weather vane or lightning rod, to ornamental, such as a cross or statue.

==Architectural Style==
Like most buildings, there are many different styles of tower architecture. Over the centuries many of the towers have seen numerous renovations resulting in overlapping styles, causing the original style to be virtually indistinguishable. Their eclectic nature reflects the city's history and the diverse ideas that evolved in Venice. Overall, bell towers contribute a great deal to the ambiance of the city. 
''For more information on architectural styles, see [[Bell tower#External Links| External Links]].''

==Bell Tower Maintenance==
[[File:EarthquakeDestruction_FinaleEmilia.jpg|150px|thumb|left| Earthquake destruction ]] ''This section needs improvement'' 
Catastrophic events such as earthquakes and flooding do not frequently cause any major damage, but deterioration is possible if the bell towers are not maintained properly. Although modern technology has reduced the need to ring the bells manually, it has resulted in people being removed from the process of maintaining those bells and their towers.

==Location==
MAP

==See Also==
[[Bell Towers]] 
[[Bells]] 
[[Bell]] 
[[Bell Ringing]] 
[[Church]]

NAVIGATION_BOX for bells 
NAVIGATION_BOX for bell towers

==References==
<references/>

==External Links==

Church

2013-10-16T02:58:40Z

IanMaitland:

[[File:SMDV.JPG|right|thumb|Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione]]
A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:Church_layout.jpg|left|thumb|Typical Church Floor Plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

Church

2013-10-15T22:12:45Z

IanMaitland:

[[File:SMDV.JPG|right|thumb|Church of Santa Maria della Visitazione]]
A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:Church_layout.jpg|left|thumb|Typical Convent floor plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

Church

2013-10-15T22:10:21Z

IanMaitland:

[[File:SMDV.JPG|right|thumb|Church]]
A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:Church_layout.jpg|left|thumb|Typical Convent floor plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

Church

2013-10-15T22:09:09Z

IanMaitland:

[[File:SMDV.jpg|right|thumb|Church]]
A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:Church_layout.jpg|left|thumb|Typical Convent floor plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

File:SMDV.JPG

2013-10-15T22:07:34Z

IanMaitland:

Church

2013-10-14T20:37:44Z

IanMaitland:

A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
[[File:Church_layout.jpg|left|thumb|Typical Convent floor plan]]

The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and chancel, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Chancel===
The chancel refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the chancel.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and chancel. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the chancel. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and chancel.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.

File:Church layout.jpg

2013-10-14T20:36:43Z

IanMaitland: Layout of a Church Floor with a Latin Cross Layout

Layout of a Church Floor with a Latin Cross Layout

Church

2013-10-14T16:32:27Z

IanMaitland: Created page with "A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built. =..."

A Venetian church, or ''chiesa'' in Italian, is a house of worship for believers of the Christian faith. Churches are named after the patron saint for which they are built.

==Church Structure==
The basic structure of a church can be broken down into several sections: the Narthex, Nave, Crossing, Transept, Sanctuary, and Altar.

===Narthex===
The narthex or vestibule of a church is the entranceway into the main hall or nave. Narthexes are traditionally located on the western side of a church across from the main altar. Narthexes can be located inside or outside a church and, in the case of the latter, they are usually little more than a covered porch area.

===Nave===
Traditionally characterized by high ceilings and home to the pew, the nave refers to the main body of the church. This is the area of the church that is home to most of the floor artifacts in Venetian churches and, being the most inhabited, poses the most danger to these works of art.

===Crossing===
The crossing of a church is the oft domed area of the church where the transepts, chancel, and nave all intersect.

===Transept===
The transept is located across the line formed by the nave and sanctuary, separating the two. The transept is divided into the north and south transept with each one serving a different purpose specific to the church.

===Sanctuary===
The Sanctuary refers to the east-most part of a church. This area is home to the main altar of the church and is where a church official would conduct mass and to give the eucharist. A separate section for the choir is present in some churches but is still located within the sanctuary.

===Altar===
The main altar of a church is where the ritual of the eucharist is performed. It is located in the eastern section of the church to symbolize the coming of Christ in the rising of the sun and this is the reason churches are built facing the east.

==Church Architecture==
The churches of Venice vary in many ways, but one subtle form is the layout of the floor. There are two variants of floor design, namely the latin cross and the greek cross. The latin cross is characterized by forming a traditional cross where the transept intersects the nave and sanctuary. The transepts are much smaller compared to the nave and located closer to the sanctuary. The greek cross has equal area for all floor sections and the transept intersects closer to the center of the nave and sanctuary.

A more visible difference in Venetian churches is shown in the many different architectural styles including Gothic, Byzantine, Baroque, and Renaissance. Due to Venice’s close proximity to more middle eastern areas it is no surprise that influences of architectural style were allowed to mix. Churches can express characteristics of one or more styles separating Venetian churches from the mostly western designs of Europe.

Many churches in Venice also function as more than a traditional church. There are often convents or bell towers attached, or in close proximity to, the churches.

==Management==
A church is often home to and operated by one or more priests. They conduct masses and are responsible for the general well-being of the church. Also before the age of automation, they were in charge of ringing the bells if the church had a bell tower. When a church is connected to a convent, the members of the convent would also be responsible for the affiliated church.