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.