Glossary

A complex of buildings occupied by a community of monks or nuns who follow a religious rule and engage in prayer, meditation, and manual labor.

A covered walkway or aisle, often circular or semicircular, surrounding the apse of a church or a shrine, allowing for processions and access to side chapels.

A semicircular or polygonal projection at the end of a church's choir or sanctuary, usually containing the altar and often flanked by radiating chapels.

A type of Roman building, later adapted by Christians, featuring a rectangular plan with a central nave and side aisles, usually ending in an apse.

A semicylindrical or arched ceiling or roof made of masonry and formed by a continuous series of arches.

Pertaining to the architecture, art, and culture associated with the Carolingian dynasty, particularly during the reign of Charlemagne.

The principal church of a diocese, where the bishop's seat is located, often grand in scale and architecturally significant.

Referring to the monastic order founded in the 11th century, known for its strict adherence to the Benedictine Rule and simplicity in architecture, promoting durable and plain construction.

The upper level of a church's nave, consisting of a row of windows above the side aisles, allowing light to enter and illuminate the interior.

Having the shape of a cross, particularly referring to a church plan with a long central nave and transepts, forming the shape of a cross.

Relating to the Christian Church or its clergy and institutions.

The face or front of a building, often the most decorative and visually prominent part.

A medieval social and economic structure based on land ownership and service, where vassals held lands from lords in exchange for military service and other obligations.

A type of vault created by the intersection of two barrel vaults, forming a cross-like pattern and providing structural support over a square or rectangular space.

Pertaining to the Lombards, a Germanic people who settled in Italy and influenced its architecture and culture.

Referring to the Middle Ages, a historical period between the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the Renaissance, known for its cultural, social, and architectural developments.

A complex of buildings inhabited by a community of monks or nuns devoted to a religious way of life, including prayer, study, and manual labor.

The central longitudinal space of a church, usually flanked by aisles and extending from the entrance to the apse.

Pertaining to the architecture and art of the Ottonian dynasty, particularly during the reign of Otto the Great and his successors in the Holy Roman Empire.

A journey undertaken by a religious devotee to a holy site or shrine, often to seek spiritual benefits or fulfill religious obligations.

An arch with a pointed apex, commonly found in Gothic architecture, providing greater height and stability compared to round arches.

A type of vault formed by intersecting diagonal arches, creating a structural skeleton to support the roof or ceiling.

A style of architecture that prevailed in Europe from the 9th to the 12th century, characterized by rounded arches, thick walls, and barrel or groin vaults.

The sacred space within a religious building, often surrounding the altar and reserved for clergy or religious rituals.

Having the shape of half a circle.

A type of medieval wooden church, particularly found in Scandinavia, constructed using upright posts (staves) and featuring a distinctive roof design with overhanging eaves.

The transverse part of a cross-shaped church, perpendicular to the nave, often creating a cruciform plan.

The semi-circular or triangular space above a door or arch, often decorated with sculptures or relief carvings.

The construction of arches, domes, or ribbed structures forming a roof or ceiling, providing structural support and distributing weight evenly.

Norse seafarers from Scandinavia who engaged in exploration, trade, and conquest from the 8th to the 11th centuries.

The region of Europe located to the west of the continent, encompassing various countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom.

The main entrance or front face of a church, often richly decorated and architecturally significant.