Key Architectural Terms and Definitions
Arch
A structural component that allows openings (apertures) in buildings. The pieces forming an arch are called
voussoirs.
Archivolt (Arquivolta)
Each of the concentric arches framing a doorway (often Romanesque or Gothic), surrounding the tympanum.
Vault
A roof-like structure that covers the space between two walls or two rows of columns.
Barrel Vault (Semicircular Vault)
A vault shaped like a half-cylinder cut lengthwise. This form is characteristic of Roman and Romanesque buildings.
Groin Vault
Used to cover a square space, formed where two barrel vaults intersect perpendicularly.
Rib Vault (Cruzeria Vault)
A vault characterized by intersecting ribs, typical of Gothic architecture.
Apse or Chevet (Headboard)
The part of the church where the main altar is located.
Cathedral
The main church, designated as the official seat of the bishop.
Cloister
The inner courtyard of a religious building, typically surrounded by covered walkways. This area often distinguishes
two zones.
Keystone (Clave)
The central stone located at the apex of an arch.
Centering (Falsework)
A temporary wooden structure that serves as support during the construction of an arch or vault.
Buttress (Abutment)
A structure built to reinforce a wall, counteracting the lateral thrust or weight exerted by a vault.
Crossing (Cruiser)
The area in a cruciform church where the main nave and the transept intersect.
Dome (Cupola)
The part of a building that covers an area, which may be round, square, polygonal, or elliptical.
Lintel
A horizontal stone or beam placed at the top of a door or window opening, resting upon the jambs.
Voussoir (Quoin)
One of the wedge-shaped stones that form an arch.
Façade
The exterior face of a building.
Gargoyle
A spout, often carved into a grotesque figure, designed to convey rainwater away from the side of a building.
Ambulatory (Aisles)
The aisle surrounding the apse of a church or cathedral.
Jambs
The vertical columns or pillars forming the sides of a door or window opening.
Lantern (Flashlight)
A structure crowning a dome, often pierced with openings to allow light into the interior.
Mullion (Portaluz)
An architectural element that divides the opening of a window or screen into two or more vertical sections.
Pantocrator
An image representing Christ, typically shown judging on the Final Day, often depicted with the right hand raised in blessing and the left hand holding the Book of Gospels.
Pendentive
A constructive element, shaped like a spherical triangle, used to transition from a square base to a circular dome, transferring the dome's weight to the supporting piers.
Tempera (Mettle)
A painting technique where pigments are dissolved in warm water, often using binding agents like egg yolk, glue, or vegetable juices, ensuring the color adheres firmly to the base surface where it is painted.
Drum
The cylindrical or polygonal structure upon which a dome rests.
Tympanum
The semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface located between the lintel and the archivolts above a doorway (especially Romanesque).
Transept
In Christian basilicas, the transverse corridor that crosses the nave and side aisles. Historically, it sometimes housed women during services; in the Romanesque period, it was often used for pilgrims' rooms.
Clerestory (Crifolio)
A windowed section located in the upper part of the nave of a Romanesque or Gothic church, situated above the triforium or gallery level, allowing light into the central nave.
Scallop Shell
The shell (
Concha de Santiago) that distinguishes pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela.
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