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Aisle & Apse Read the building

Features / Layout

Layout

West front

The main entrance front. In many older European buildings it stands at the west end, facing the apse at the east; later buildings face whichever way the street allows, but the name for the entrance front stuck.

Where to look
The end with the main doors, often the most decorated face, often with towers.
Styles
On the drawings
Plan

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Plan of a cross-shaped building from the west front (left) to the apse (right). Each label links to its feature. W E NarthexAisleTranseptAmbulatoryWest frontNaveArcade (piers)CrossingChoirApseChapels
PlanWest front is highlighted.