Church Transepts

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Madaglan

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What, historically, were the transepts of basilica style churches used for? Was there any particular liturgical function? Also, what was the function of the crossing made by the transepts? Was this simply for the choir? Did the liturgical celebrants of the Mass at the altar come down to the crossing for liturgical prayer?
 
It is my understanding that transepts were built for no other purpose than to have a cruciform church. This serves two purposes: first, it permanently memorializes Christ’s death and sacrifice in architectural form; second, it has the practical application of adding more pew space.

Yes, I have seen several churches, particularly Anglican churches, where the transepts have historically been used for the choir.
 
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