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basilica

basilica

16 7.0
A large important church sometimes given special rights by the Pope
  • noun
  • /bəˈzɪlɪkə/
translation icon : basílica
  • The basilica in Rome is known for its impressive dome and beautiful frescoes.
  • St.basilica
  • Basilica of Guadalupe
  • Basilica of the Annunciation

It was in the envelope, the altar in the center of the basilica room.

Examples

  • Tourists flock to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a stunning example of baroque architecture.

  • Back to Santa Sabina, the new church exemplified the basilica plan that had become standard for Christian places of worship.

  • I realized I had been standing outside the basilica for a half hour.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • I was at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.

  • First, how much in modern dollars did Saint Peter's Basilica cost to build?

  • In the concluding fourth period, a solemn service of common prayer took place in the Basilica of St. Paul.

    Academic text (2013)
  • A special Sinulog procession was staged at the Basilica during fiesta week.

    Academic text (1995)
  • She was canonized at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

  • The Pope celebrated Mass at St. Peter's basilica, one of the most famous churches in the world.

Synonyms

church
vsbasilica
1.0

A building where Christians meet to pray and worship

is a larger formally important building with special ceremonial rights from the pope

Compounds

An ancient Roman building where people meet, hold law courts and do government business

vena basilica
  • Specialized
8.9

A large vein inside the lower arm that carries blood to the upper arm

How Important

cathedral
6.6
basilica
16 7.0
church
1.0
chapel
114 2.8

Surface Forms

basilica singular
basilicas plural

Etymology

Basilica comes from an old Greek word built on basil- meaning 'king' or 'royal'. That's why a basilica is a very large, important church — the name gives the idea of a 'royal' or special place, and the Pope can give a church this special title.