singlenave

Singlenave refers to a common architectural design for churches and other basilicas. It describes a building that consists of a single, undivided nave, which is the main body of the church extending from the entrance to the chancel. This contrasts with a double-nave or triple-nave design, which features multiple parallel naves separated by columns or piers.

The singlenave design is typically characterized by a simpler, more unified interior space. Light often enters through windows along the side walls, illuminating the central aisle. This layout emphasizes a direct sightline from the entrance to the altar or focal point at the far end of the church. Many early Christian churches and many smaller parish churches utilize a singlenave plan due to its structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Examples of singlenave churches can be found throughout history and across various architectural styles. This design allows for a clear procession and fosters a sense of community by keeping the congregation together in a single, cohesive space. While grander cathedrals might opt for more complex multi-nave structures to accommodate larger congregations and elaborate ceremonial processions, the singlenave remains a foundational and enduring architectural solution for religious buildings.