Cashel Dominican Priory

Site Plan

1

Nave

The nave is the area in the western part of the main body of the church where the congregation gathered to hear sermons preached and to attend Mass.

2

Aisle

The aisle is an area that runs parallel to the nave or chancel, separated from either by a row of arches and columns known as an arcade. It often contained side altars and was used for liturgical processions.

3

Transept

The transept is the space which intersects the nave and chancel, giving the church its characteristic cruciform appearance. These rectangular extensions to the north and south of the church provided space for additional altars dedicated to various saints and serving as mortuary, burial or chantry chapels for the community’s benefactors. In a mendicant context, only one transept arm is found, in most cases abutting the nave, or the nave and the tower between the chancel and the nave, known as a ‘one armed transept.’

4

Tower

Towers served as belfries, ringing out the hours of the Divine Offices, which called the religious community to the church. They were generally built over crossing or the intersection of the nave and chancel.

5

Chancel

The chancel is located in the east end of a church and is reserved for the use of the clergy and choir, and is where the altar is located.