narthex

noun

1. A western vestibule leading to the nave in some Christian churches.

   “we were in the antechamber, called the narthex, which runs across the front of any Byzantine church [...].”

   “One of these was Cardinal Jacopo Stefaneschi, [...] who had now conceived ambitious plans for paintings to decorate the entire narthex, or entrance porch, of Avignon's ancient cathedral.”

   ““Cinco,” Marco bellowed now, hurrying across the narthex to give him a hearty handshake, which Cinco returned without enthusiasm.”