A nave is an elongated space or part of a space in Roman and Gothic church architecture. The main nave of the church extends from the nartheks, or vestibule hall, to the shells, and is flanked by any side ships separated from the main nave by a row of columns. The height of the main naves provided space for the clergy windows above the side naves. These give light to the interior of the church but leave the side ships in the shade.
