altar steps

Chancel approach levels

Altar steps are the stairs leading up to an altar in a church or temple.

Because altars typically occupy elevated positions—symbolizing approach toward the sacred—worshippers, clergy, or wedding parties ascend these steps during religious ceremonies.

The bride and groom knelt on the altar steps to receive their blessing.

Related

kneel down · priest · processional · walk down the aisle · red carpet · marble · stained glass · communion · vestments · incense · genuflect · ascending · descending · worship · sacred · stone · cathedral · riser

Opposites
liturgical space hierarchy

altar stepsnave

Church's main interior

narthex · crypt · undercroft · vestibule · churchyard

vertical position in sacred architecture

altar stepscrypt

Subterranean burial vault

undercroft · church basement

Family

altar, altars, step, steps, stepped, stepping, stepper, steppers

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G