What is a transept?
A transept is the area set at right angles to the nave of a cross-shaped church, so that the floor plan takes the shape of a Latin or Greek cross. The transept crosses the nave at the crossing and extends to both sides as so-called arms or wings.
Parts of a transept
- Crossing — the intersection of transept and nave, often crowned by a crossing tower or dome
- North and south arm — the projecting parts, also called transept arms
- Transept façade — the gable at the end of an arm, often richly decorated
- Rose window — frequently in the gable of the arm
- Trapezoidal or rib vault — as ceiling
In some large cathedrals there is even a second transept.
Function
The transept served several purposes:
- Symbolism — the cross shape refers to the cross of Christ
- Extra liturgical space — for processions and chapels
- Structural reinforcement — distributes load from the crossing tower
- Side altars — often dedicated to saints
- Visitor flow — extra entrances and exits at pilgrim churches
Use in architectural styles
- Romanesque — usually simple, short, without aisles
- Gothic — often long, with tracery windows and high vaults
- Renaissance — symmetrical and balanced, with domes
- Baroque — richly decorated, with theatrical lighting
- Gothic revival — revived in 19th-century parish churches
Famous examples
| Building | Notable feature |
|---|---|
| St Peter’s Basilica, Rome | Short arms, monumental dome |
| Notre-Dame, Paris | Two parallel transepts |
| Salisbury Cathedral | Two transepts |
| Cologne Cathedral | Long transept with tracery |
| Canterbury Cathedral | Eastern and western transepts |
Related terms
- Cross church
- Nave
- Crossing
- Choir
- Cross vault
- Church parts
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