Which term best describes the layout commonly used in Romanesque church plans?

The term that best describes the layout commonly used in Romanesque church plans is the Latin cross. This design features a long nave that intersects with a shorter transept, creating a shape reminiscent of the Christian cross. The use of the Latin cross in church architecture served both symbolic and practical functions, as it allowed for a focused axial experience for worshippers and helped in accommodating the liturgical ceremonies of the Christian faith.

Romanesque architecture is characterized by its solid forms, heavy masonry, and a sense of stability, which is reflected in the layout of these churches. The Latin cross design also facilitates the inclusion of various elements essential to church services, such as the altar, nave, and side chapels.

The centralized plan, while notable in other architectural styles such as Byzantine, does not align with the typical Romanesque layout where the emphasis is on the longitudinal structure of the Latin cross. Similarly, circular and rectangular plans do not accurately capture the distinctive features unique to Romanesque church architecture.