Look up an image:
Explore by theme
vault
The vault of a Gothic cathedral rests on a series of arches that cross at the summit of the nave and are supported by lateral pillars.
diagonal buttress
Arch connecting two of the vault’s corners through the keystone; it is also called an ogive.
tierceron
Rib connected to a lierne but not to the keystone.
lierne
Rib connecting the top of the tierceron to the keystone.
keystone
Wedge-shaped stone above the nave where the arches meet; it supports the arches and stabilizes the overall structure.
traverse arch
Arch that supports the vault and is perpendicular to the axis of the nave.