basilica

• Nom désignant un type de bâtiment, à l'origine une salle publique romaine pour les fonctions administratives, puis adopté comme style pour les premières églises chrétiennes ou pour une église catholique romaine dotée de droits cérémoniels particuliers.

A noun referring to a type of building, originally a Roman public hall used for administration, and later adopted as a style for early Christian churches or a Roman Catholic church granted special ceremonial rights.

1. Roman Catholic churchB2formal

   A large, important church or cathedral that has been granted special ceremonial rights by the Pope.

   basilique (église catholique)

   • The Pope visited the grand basilica in Rome.
   • Many pilgrims travel to the basilica to pray.
   • The basilica's architecture is a masterpiece of Renaissance design.

2. Ancient Roman buildingB2formal

   A large rectangular building in ancient Rome used for public meetings, law courts, and business.

   Basilique romaine antique

   • The Roman basilica served as a center for legal proceedings.
   • Merchants gathered in the basilica to conduct trade.
   • The ruins of the ancient basilica are still visible today.