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

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Beavais Cathedral

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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

Section of the church where the singers sit. It is located behind or to the side of the alter.

Choir Baptismal Font Alter Cathedra

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 Crucifix Rood Screen 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