basilica
/bəˈsɪlɪkə/
noun
- A large, important church building, often with a long central nave and a high altar, sometimes given special status by the Pope in the Catholic Church.
- St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is one of the most famous churches in the world.
- The tour guide explained the history of the ancient basilica built in the 4th century.
- Many pilgrims travel to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
- In ancient Rome, a large public building used for legal and commercial meetings, typically rectangular with a central hall and side aisles.
- Merchants gathered in the basilica to conduct business and settle disputes.
- The ancient basilica served as a courthouse and a marketplace for the city.
- The ruins of the Roman basilica still show the original columns and floor plan.
Synonyms