Basilicas

Basilicas in this sense are divided into classes, the major ("greater") basilicas and the minor basilicas; there are three other papal and several pontifical minor basilicas in Italy, and over 1,400 lesser basilicas around the world.

The four papal or major basilicas were formerly known as "patriarchal basilicas".

Some of the churches are said to house remains of saints and are the oldest basilicas in the world.

After his victory, Constantine supported the Church financially, built various basilicas, granted privileges (e.

Basilica of Salta in Argentina The papal or major basilicas outrank in precedence all other churches.

Basilicas Basilican halls had previously been characteristic of major civic complexes and military headquarters buildings; but now became the standard structure for accommodating large Christian congregations.

Basilicas dating from the Paleochristian age include Santa Maria Maggiore and San Paolo Fuori le Mura (the latter largely rebuilt in the 19th century), both housing precious 4th century AD mosaics.

Circuses and basilicas were designed to keep the face of the emperor perpetually in view, and always in a seat of authority.

Cross-dome architecture developed in Georgia during the 9th century; before that, most Georgian churches were basilicas.

Eastern basilicas may be single-naved, or have the nave flanked by one or two pairs of lower aisles; it may have a dome in the middle: in this case it is called a "domed basilica".

In Rome several great Constantinian basilicas continued in use as an inspiration to later builders.

In secular building this plan was more typically used for the smaller audience halls of the emperors, governors, and the very rich than for the great public basilicas functioning as law courts and other public purposes.

Modena Cathedral shows a typically Italian Romanesque plan, often architecturally termed a " basilica ", because of its similarity in plan to a Roman basilicas.

Older minor basilicas are referred to as "immemorial basilica".

Similar ceremonies were held at the other three basilicas.

Similar rites were held at the other patriarchal basilicas.

The first basilicas had no religious function at all.

The Greek Archaeological Society under D. Lazaridis excavated in 1972 and 1985, uncovering a necropolis, the city wall (see photograph), the basilicas, and the acropolis.

The Plaza of the Three Cultures in the Tlatelolco neighbourhood, and the shrine and Basilicas of Our Lady of Guadalupe are also important sites.

These range from small churches in Poland, Canada, Brazil and Hong Kong to key basilicas at Lourdes and Fatima with millions of pilgrims per year.