Machine translation of the 1948–1954 Italian original. The original text is authoritative.
TRIBUNE. In the Paleochristian basilicas, this was the name given to the area behind the high altar where the bishop or abbot took his place, surrounded by priests or monks during ceremonies. The name derives from its similarity to the tribunal in civil basilicas.
(photo Giordani) TRIBUNALS, ECCLESIASTICAL — The Cardinal Penitentiary lowers the rod over the heads of the penitents in the Basilica Liberiana in Rome.Around the 8th century this space was raised to allow for the development of the crypt beneath it, and for the same purpose it was extended externally and terminated with a rectangular or curved structure; thus it is apse (v.), and also in those of choir (v.) presbytery (v.). Sometimes this name is also given to small galleries built into the wall and even to the matronea themselves.
BIBL.: C. Costantini, s. V. ENOCH. Ital., XXXIV, p. 304.
Mario Zocca
Cite this article
“TRIBUNA.” Enciclopedia Cattolica, vol. XII (1954), p. 325. Azione Romana digital edition, https://azioneromana.com/article/tribuna.
