Ambulatory

Category: Church Structures & Sites

Definition

In Catholic tradition, the ambulatory is an architectural element found in many churches, particularly cathedrals and large basilicas. It's a covered walkway, usually encircling the apse or choir, serving a crucial liturgical function. Its location provides access to chapels or shrines radiating from the central space, allowing processions and movement during services. The ambulatory extends the sacred space, offering a pathway for both clergy and laity to circulate within the building while still maintaining a sense of proximity to the main altar. Its function, therefore, is both practical and symbolic, enhancing the experience of worship.

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