Latin cross

The Latin cross is a cross formed by two segments of different sizes that intersect at right angles, where the shorter segment has a three-quarter proportion with respect to the longer one.

Refers to the shape of the crucifix of Christian tradition.

Architecture

In architecture there are buildings with a plan shape called Latin cross: it corresponds to the design used in churches in which the main nave is longer than the transept (the smaller arm). The main portico, the atrium, the main altar and the apse are aligned along the main axis.

When both have the same length it is called a Greek cross plan, one of the centralized plan models, very common in Byzantine architecture.

The Latin cross plan is very common in the churches of Latin Christianity; and it particularly developed in the monastic churches of the medieval Benedictines (Cluny and Cister) and in the so-called Romanesque pilgrimage churches on the Camino de Santiago.

The area where the major arm and the minor arm intersect is called the transept, and the shape of its roof can be very varied: different types of vault crossings (groin vault, ribbed vault), dome, dome, etc.; and it can be projected outside through different types of roofs, towers, spiers, etc.

The largest arm (and sometimes the smallest) is usually divided into several naves, usually an odd number, with the central one standing out as the largest nave, and on both sides are the side naves that are usually lower in height. These side naves can extend beyond the transept and surround the main altar behind, in what is known as an ambulatory. The walls of the church can be articulated by side chapels. In the case of the head of the church, it may have a semicircular apse (usually covered with an exedra—half dome—) which in turn may be complicated with apsidioles attached, either to the apse itself or to the smaller arm.

The astronomical alignment of the Latin cross floor plans is common, so that the east coincides with the head (or apse) and the west with the foot (or porch); which allows outstanding lighting effects through more or less large windows (oculus, rose windows, stained glass).