1. Pilgrimage and Sacred Space

2. Christian sacred spaces
Meeting/worship spaces
Synagogues (until CE)
House churches (1st-3rd centuries)
Basilicas devoted as churches
Architectural style
Originally used as “town halls”
Became a religious type of architecture
Tombs of martyrs
Sites in Holy Land

3. Constantine Turning point in Christianity “Converts” ca. 313
Vision of cross in battle
Baptized near death
Legalized practice of Christianity
Devoted resources to building projects
Used authority to promote doctrinal councils
Mother Helena led “reclamation” of Holy Land sites

4. 4th century churches Strategy: build on top of pagan shrines
Symbol of Christian replacement of paganism
Convert old religious practices to new ones
Example: Christmas on Dec 25
Keep old piety but Christianize it
New legal status = new needs and resources ($)
Dominant style: basilica (secular hall)
Entrance = “narthex”
Long main hall = “nave”
2 side aisles
Apse

6. St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome

7. St. John Lateran, Rome (cathedral church)

8. Baptistery of
St. John Lateran, Rome

9. Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome (4th c
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome (4th c. architecture, later decoration)

10. Pilgrimage to Holy Land
Motive: connect with biblical sites, esp. those connected with Jesus
Intertwined with liturgy
Scripture readings
Eucharist
Open to women and men
Some sites are dubious
Jesus wrote letter to King Agbar????