Which cross plan features a nave that is longer than the transepts?

Which cross plan features a nave that is longer than the transepts?

• A. Latin Cross
• B. Greek Cross
• C. Forum
• D. East

Answer: (A)

The shape that gives a cross with a longer vertical axis is the Latin cross; the nave extends well beyond the width of the crossing transepts, creating a tall, elongated main body. This long nave is the defining feature of a Latin cross plan, which is typical of many Western churches from the medieval period and emphasizes processional space toward the choir and altar. In contrast, a Greek cross has arms of roughly equal length, so the central square creates a more balanced, symmetrical cross without a long nave. The Forum is not a cross-shaped church plan at all, and “East” does not describe a cross-plan configuration.

The shape that gives a cross with a longer vertical axis is the Latin cross; the nave extends well beyond the width of the crossing transepts, creating a tall, elongated main body. This long nave is the defining feature of a Latin cross plan, which is typical of many Western churches from the medieval period and emphasizes processional space toward the choir and altar.

In contrast, a Greek cross has arms of roughly equal length, so the central square creates a more balanced, symmetrical cross without a long nave. The Forum is not a cross-shaped church plan at all, and “East” does not describe a cross-plan configuration.