Latin cross

A Latin cross or crux immissa is a very common symbol in Christianity. It looks like a vertical line with a short horizontal line near the top, making four arms. Many churches and religious artworks use this shape.

The Latin cross is different from other crosses because the vertical part is longer than the horizontal bar. People have used this design for many years. You can see it on top of church buildings, in paintings, and on religious objects.

When the Latin cross is turned upside down, it is called St. Peter's Cross. This name comes from an old story about Saint Peter. When shown sideways, it is called St. Philip's cross for a similar reason.

Many church buildings are shaped like a Latin cross when you look at them from above. This shape usually has a main area for worship called the nave, a cross-shaped section called the transept, a rounded end called the apse, and an entrance area called the narthex. The Latin cross is still an important symbol for many people today.

History

The Latin cross has been found in old places even before Christianity started. In ancient Rome, soldiers carried it on their flags.

Today, the Latin cross is a common sign for Christianity and Christendom. It shows the belief that Jesus gave his life for people. Many Christian groups use it, like the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant traditions such as Lutheranism, Anglicanism, and Methodism. Even though some leaders in the past did not like the cross, most Christian churches have always used it.

Cruciform churches

A Latin cross plan is a special shape used in many Christian churches and cathedrals. From above, the building looks like a Latin cross. This style was popular in the West during a time called the Romanesque period. The longest part is called the nave, and it often has side areas named aisles or chapels. Another part, called the transept, crosses the nave. The east end of the church is called the apse, where special church areas are found.

Famous cathedrals with this Latin cross plan include Old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Chartres Cathedral in France, Siena Cathedral in Italy, Cologne Cathedral in Germany, Notre-Dame in Paris, and Florence Cathedral in Italy.

In computer systems

For information on how to enter the Latin cross symbol on your computer, see Unicode input.

The Latin cross has a special Unicode code point: U+271D ✝ LATIN CROSS. It is similar to other symbols like the CROSS OF LORRAINE, the DAGGER (U+2020 †), and the DOUBLE DAGGER (U+2021 ‡).