Basilica

Church building designed according to the architectural style of a Roman basilica, which served as a law court and commercial exchange. Roman basilicas were used for Christian worship after Constantine gave the church freedom to exist. This architectural style included an outer courtyard or atrium, a narrow porch or narthex, and a semi-circular apse at one end. The building was rectangular, with two rows of columns parallel with the longer side. The basilica had a broad nave, with two or more aisles. The entrance was through the narthex by three or more doorways into the basilica.