Key Terms

Ambulatory A passageway around the apse of the church

Apse The end point of a church where the altar is

Arcade A series of arches supported by columns.

Archivolt A series of concentric molding around the arch.

Axial Plan Basilica Plan, Longitudinal Plan A Church with along nave where the focus on the apse

Baptistery A building or part of a church used for baptism.

Bay A unit of interior space in a building, marked off by architectural divisions.

campanile: Italian name for a bell tower, usually one that is detached from the main building.

Cathedral The principal church of diocese where the bishop sits

Clerestory An upper story of a building with windows above adjacent roofs.

Embroidery A woven product in which the design is stitched.

Jamb A vertical element of a doorway or window frame

Narthex A low projection at the western end of a church, like a porch.

Portal any doorway or entrance but especially one that is large and imposing.

Reliquary A container for relics.

Rib Vault masonry vault with a relatively thin web and set within a framework of ribs.

Tapestry A woven product in which the deign and the backing are produced a the same time on a loom A loom is a device used to weave cloth.

Transept An aisle in a church in perpendicular to the nave

Triforium 2nd story of the church

Trumeau A central Pillar pr the portal that is stabilizes the structure

Tympanum A rounded sculpture place over the portal of a medieval church

Voussoir One of the wedge-shaped stones used in constructing an arch.