Creating a Handbook of Churches and Cathedrals
from the Middle Ages
Students create a book with each page dedicated to one particular cathedral or church
from the Middle Ages. Their task to identify parts of the building and unique
architectural features or characteristics.
PAGE ONE: St. Michael’s at Hildesheim
Cut out each box and paste together on one page.
St. Michael’s at Hildesheim
Date: _____________________
Style: _____________________
Identify in the plan below
the two transepts, the
aisles (which also act as
narthexes), and the
crossing squares.
Identify above the lateral entrances, the
clerestory windows and the apse.
In the diagram above, identify where
the nave is located. Also, where do
you see evidence of an alternate
support system?
PAGE TWO: St. Sernin at Toulouse
Cut out each box and paste together on one page.
St. Sernin at Toulouse
Date: _____________________
Style: ____________________
In the plan below, identify the
ambulatory and the radiating
chapels. Determine how many units
(based on the crossing square) the
nave has been broken up into.
Identify the
crossing
tower and the
transept of
St. Sernin.
St. Sernin
has what
kind of
vault?
PAGE THREE: Speyer Cathedral
Cut out each box and paste together on one page.
Speyer Cathedral
Date: _____________________
Style: ____________________
Identify the spires,
gable roof, and blind
arcades.
The plan of Speyer Cathedral is
a bit more complex than the
one at St. Sernin. Using the
crossing as a unit of measure,
divide off the nave into units
based on every other third wall
support. How many units do
you come up with?
What kind of vaults does Speyer Cathedral have over
its nave?
Does it have an alternate support system?
PAGE FOUR: Sant’Ambrogio in Milan
Cut out each box and paste together on one page.
Sant’Ambrogio in Milan
Date: _____________________
Style: Lombard Romanesque
Identify the atrium and the
narthex in this plan of
Sant’Ambrogio. Also identify the
location of the two campaniles
(or bell towers) and the
octagonal crossing dome.
What kind of vaults does Sant’Ambrogio have?
Does Sant’Ambrogio have an alternate support system?
Describe what you see in this view
of Sant’Ambrogio.