nar
thex
Plural
narthexes
1
a vestibule leading to the nave of a church
2
an enclosed area consisting of pillars located at the western entrance of an old church
A narthex is a long, enclosed entrance area or hallway at the front of a church. It is located just before the main part of the church where people gather for worship. The narthex acts as a transition space between the outside and the interior of the church, allowing people to enter, prepare themselves, and then proceed into the worship area. It is often used for gatherings or ceremonies before religious services.