Romanesque Architecture Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, architectural components, and structural features from the Romanesque Architecture lecture notes.

Anno Domini

A Christian historical term meaning 'In the Year of our Lord' (abbreviated as AD).

Romanesque Architecture

An architectural style that developed in Medieval Europe between the 9th and 12th centuries, whose name means 'from Rome.'

Arcade

A row of arches supported by columns, appearing in locations such as atrium spaces, church interiors, castle halls, facades, and stories.

Barrel Vault

A simple, semicircular type of vaulted roof that requires the support of solid walls and is mainly used to cover a central nave.

Groin Vault

A structural vault formed by the intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles above a square, common in aisles and ambulatories.

Piers

Large vertical supports of square or rectangular section built of masonry that help bear the weight of arches, vaults, and the structure above.

Tympanum

A semicircular or triangular space above a doorway that is typically decorated with sculptures or reliefs.

Nave

The central aisle of a church.

Narthex

The entrance porch of a church.

Transept

An area set crosswise to the nave of a church.

Apse

A semicircular or polygonal termination to the choir or nave of a church, often housing the altar.

Ambulatory

A passageway that wraps around the apse or the chancel, providing a continuous processional way for clergy and the faithful.

Chapels (Apsidioles)

Spaces within a church built to house relics of saints and serve as devotional spaces.

Crossing

The intersection of the nave and transept in a church.

Triforium

An arcaded level constructed above the arcades and below the clerestory in the multistorey nave wall system of a church.

Crypt

A vaulted chamber, often partially or entirely underground, built to house and display relics of saints or martyrs and serve as a burial site for important figures.

Abbey Church

The central and most imposing structure of a monastery, designed with a cruciform layout to accommodate monastic communities, pilgrims, and worshippers.

Cloister

A square courtyard with covered walkways located at the heart of a monastery, providing a serene space for monks for contemplation and prayer.

Chapter House

A room in a monastery where monks gathered daily for meetings and religious instruction.

Refectory

The dining hall in a monastery where monks ate their meals.

Dormitory

The communal living quarters for monks in a monastery.

Infirmary

A monastery facility created to care for the sick and travelers.

Keep

A central fortified tower in a castle that provided a last refuge and defensive stronghold.