Analyzing the
Architecture of a
Gothic Cathedral
By, Ben, Garen, and Corey

•
Beavais Cathedral

•
Orleans Cathedral

Altar

Altar
A long narrow table used for performing the sacrament of
Eucharist

Arch

Arch
A curving structure made of wedge shaped stones to span a walk way and support the walls above it.

Baptismal
Font

Altar
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.
Baptismal
Font

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.
Bell Tower
Arch

Cathedra

Alter
Cathedra
A seat or throne of the cathedral’s bishop
Baptismal
Font

Choir

Alter
Cathedra
Section of the church where the singers sit. It is located behind or to the side of the alter.
Choir
Baptismal
Font

Façade

Bell Tower
Arch
Façade
The main entrance of the church emphasized by sculpture and decoration

Flying
Buttresses

Bell Tower
Flying
Buttresses
A stone pillar on the exterior of the cathedral that supports the curved ceiling.
Arch
Façade

Gargoyles

Flying
Buttresses
Bell Tower
Arch
Façade
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
Cathedra
Choir
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.
Baptismal
Nave
Font

Pulpit

Choir
Baptismal
Font
Nave
Altar
Cathedra
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

Choir
Baptismal
Font
Nave
Altar
Cathedra
Pulpit
Rood Screen
An open barrier used to separate the choir from the nave.

Stain Glass
Window

Bell Tower
Flying
Buttresses
Arch
Stain Glass
Window
Pieces of colored glass in a design. They often showed story from the bible or a picture of daily life.
Façade
Gargoyles

Tapestry

A multicolored cloth designed to show story from the bible of scenes from dally life.
Tapestry Choir
Baptismal
Font
Nave
Altar
Cathedra
Pulpit
Rood Screen

Vault

Tapestry Choir
Baptismal
Font
Nave
Altar
Cathedra
Pulpit
Rood Screen
Vault
A curved structure that from the ceiling.
They are then supported by pillars called buttresses .

Votive Candles

Tapestry Choir
Baptismal
Font
Nave
Altar
Cathedra
Votive
Candles
Pulpit
Offering’s dedicated to God or a saint.
They were also used around the altar.
Rood Screen
Vault

Crucifix

Tapestry Choir
Baptismal
Font
Nave
Vault
Altar
Cathedra
Votive
Candles
Pulpit
Rood Screen
Crucifix A cross with they body of Christ attached to it. It is usually placed over the altar.

Sculpture

Tapestry Choir
Sculpture
It is used in the public worship services. It is also used for instruction and to show respect to God an the saints.
Baptismal
Font
Nave
Vault
Altar
Cathedra
Votive
Candles
Pulpit
Crucifix
Rood Screen