Analyzing the Architecture of a Gothic Cathedral By, Ben, Garen, and Corey
Beavais Cathedral
Orleans Cathedral
Altar
A long narrow table used for performing the sacrament of Eucharist
Arch
A curving structure made of wedge shaped stones to span a walk way and support the walls above it.
Baptismal Font
Altar Baptismal Font A basin that holds the baptismal water for baptism. Baptism is a sacrament in which water is pored over a person’s head welcoming him or her in to the church.
Bell Tower
Arch Bell Tower A structure used to hold and protect the cathedrals bells. Bells are used to call people to different events like calling people to worship.
Cathedra
Alter Baptismal Font Cathedra A seat or throne of the cathedral’s bishop
Choir
Alter Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Section of the church where the singers sit. It is located behind or to the side of the alter.
Façade
Arch Bell Tower Façade The main entrance of the church emphasized by sculpture and decoration
Flying Buttresses
Arch Bell Tower Façade Flying Buttresses A stone pillar on the exterior of the cathedral that supports the curved ceiling.
Gargoyles
Arch Bell Tower Façade Flying Buttresses Gargoyles Stone spouts shaped like beasts sticking out from the rain gutter. When it rain it look like they are spiting water out.
Nave
Altar Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Nave The main part of the building where the ceiling is higher and lights the whole building with it windows. This is also where the congregation meets.
Pulpit
Altar Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Nave Pulpit The place where a person could speak to the people in the church. It had 6 or 8 side and was decorated in carvings or banners
Rood Screen
Altar Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Nave Pulpit Rood Screen An open barrier used to separate the choir from the nave.
Stain Glass Window
Arch Bell Tower Façade Flying Buttresses Gargoyles Stain Glass Window Pieces of colored glass in a design. They often showed story from the bible or a picture of daily life.
Tapestry
Altar Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Nave Pulpit Rood Screen Tapestry A multicolored cloth designed to show story from the bible of scenes from dally life.
Vault
Altar Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Nave Pulpit Rood Screen Tapestry Vault A curved structure that from the ceiling. They are then supported by pillars called buttresses.
Votive Candles
Altar Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Nave Pulpit Rood Screen Tapestry Vault Votive Candles Offering’s dedicated to God or a saint. They were also used around the altar.
Crucifix
Altar Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Nave Pulpit Rood Screen Tapestry Vault Votive Candles Crucifix A cross with they body of Christ attached to it. It is usually placed over the altar.
Sculpture
Altar Baptismal Font Cathedra Choir Sculpture Nave Pulpit Rood Screen Tapestry Vault Votive Candles Crucifix It is used in the public worship services. It is also used for instruction and to show respect to God an the saints.