What is the pronaos in ancient Greek architecture?

The pronaos in ancient Greek architecture refers to the space located immediately in front of the temple's cella or naos. This area serves as a transition zone between the exterior of the temple and the interior sacred space, allowing for a crucial separation between the public and the sacred while providing a covered entrance to the main inner sanctuary.

This architectural feature often features a portico or columns, which not only supported the roof but also enhanced the temple's grandeur and served multifunctional purposes, such as gathering spaces for worshippers or as an area for the display of offerings. Understanding the role of the pronaos is essential to grasping the configuration and function of Greek temples, as it contributes to the overall design and movement within the temple complex.