Gothic cathedral

The architectural style of the medieval cathedral (12th century to the Renaissance) is characterized mainly by its ribbed, ogival vaults.

Lady chapel

Chapel located beyond the walls at the back of the cathedral, in the axis of the nave.

choir

Area just beyond the transept where the clergy stand during the liturgy.

apsidiole

Small lateral chapel arranged in a semicircle behind the choir surrounding the apse.

pillar

Column designed to support a masonry structure.

arcade

Passageway created by resting an arch on two posts.

crossing

Area located at the crossing of the transept and the nave of the cathedral.

buttress

Masonry structure that supports a load-bearing wall.

side chapel

Chapel adjacent to the nave.

abutment

Masonry structure on which a flying buttress rests to transfer the weight of the vault.

pinnacle

Pyramidal or conical crown on an abutment.

flying buttress

Masonry structure in the shape of a partial arch; it supports a wall by transferring the pressure of the vaults onto an abutment.

tower

Elevated construction harboring the bell tower.

belfry

Small steeplelike ornament in the shape of a pyramid; it is found on the corners of the transept or on each side of the façade.

transept spire

Tapering part in the shape of a pyramid that surmounts the tower located at the transept crossing.