0 a public building in ancient Rome that was round at one end and had two rows of columns supporting the roof, or a large church with a similar design
A basilica was built in a prominent place in the northwest corner of the forum.
The basilica was designed in the shape of a Greek cross, surmounted by a colossal dome, and approached by a vestibule fronted with six columns.
The entrance of the Pope into this his grandest basilica was, as usual, a beautiful and brilliant sight.
We no longer see, as in the eighteenth century, Gothic spires on Roman basilicas, or Grecian porticos ornamenting Norman towers.
A document of 1440 notes that construction of the basilica had been at a standstill for 'about fifteen years'.
Of the basilica, the last five bays of the nave, the facade wall, and many of the nave chapels remained to be built.
At least one of the capitals was probably made for the basilica.
