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A carved stone creature often designed to convey water from a roof and away from the side of a building. Besides being functional, these often serve a decorative, sometimes symbolic, purpose.

Supporting structure that stands apart from the main building and connected to it by an arch. Its purpose is to resist lateral forces pushing a wall outwards, which allows for higher and more open walls.

Colored glass used to create pictures or patterns on windows. They are both decorative and inform the viewer through narratives or symbolism, often biblical in nature.

A tall, narrow window with a pointed arch at the top, typical in Gothic buildings. They're designed to increase the height and bring more light into the building.

Produced by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults. It allows for the support of more weight and the covering of rectangular spaces with ease.

An upper story over an aisle, open to the nave at one side. It can provide additional walking space or seating and contributes to the vertical layering of Gothic interiors.

A pointed sculpture on piers or flying buttresses. They add weight to the buttress and serve as a decorative element.

A protruding ornament placed at the intersection of the ribs in a vault. It often serves to cover the join and can be ornately carved for decorative purpose.

The area of a church or cathedral where the liturgical choir is seated. This is typically east of the transept and may be elevated from the nave.

Consists of concave sections with ribs spreading out like a fan. Allows for elaborate decorative schemes and is characteristic of the perpendicular style in the late Gothic period.

A large, round window with mullions and tracery radiating in a form suggestive of a rose. They are often filled with stained glass and serve a decorative and symbolic purpose, as well as bringing in light.

A vault where ribs bear a part of the structural load and create a framework for the rest of the vault. It provides a lighter and stronger ceiling and contributes to the aesthetics.

High windows above eye level. The purpose is to bring in abundant daylight, without compromises to privacy and wall space.

A capital that is sculpted with figures and scenes. More than purely decorative, these provide narrative content and may convey moral or didactic messages.

A group of columns bundled together to provide mutual support and to distribute the building's weight more evenly. It also adds to the verticality and elegance of Gothic interiors.

The semi-circular or triangular decorative area over an entrance, bounded by a lintel and arch. It's often filled with sculpture depicting biblical scenes and serves to teach religious stories and carry symbolism.

A decorative element consisting of a symmetrical shape which forms the outline of four partially overlapping circles of the same diameter. Used in traceries, fabrics, and wall panels for its aesthetic appeal.

A decorative pattern consisting of a repetitive geometric or floral pattern. It's used in stone or wood carving as well as wall painting, and it enriches the surface decoration.

A low protective wall along the edge of a roof or balcony. In Gothic architecture, it is often adorned with battlements or ornamentation, offering both defense and aesthetic appeal.

A series of arches supported by columns or piers, situated below the clerestory and above the nave aisle. It enables the division of space within the church and contributes to the impressive scale and openness of the interior.

The part of a church that crosses the nave at a right angle. It contributes to the shape of the cross on many cathedrals and gives additional space for chapels and altars.

Semi-circular or polygonal, often domed, end of a chancel or chapel. The apse holds the altar and serves as a focal point for the interior decoration.

An arch made up of two double-curving lines meeting at a point. The ogee arch reflects sophisticated design and provides an ornate and elegant appearance to archways and windows.

An arch with a pointed crown, typical of Gothic architecture. Its purpose is to distribute the weight of the roof downwards more efficiently than a round arch, allowing for taller and more slender structures.

An arched form used to provide a space with a ceiling or roof. In Gothic architecture, the cross vault was commonly used, allowing for more complex and varied floor plans.

A vertical bar between the panes of glass in a window. Mullions allow for larger windows and thus larger stained glass displays, and contribute to the structural stability of the windows.

Interlaced decorative designs carved in low relief on a solid background, often used in wood or stone in Gothic architecture. Provides decoration and enhances the play of light and shadow.

A canopy typically made of stone or wood that covers an altar or throne. In Gothic churches, it emphasizes the significance of the area it covers, adding to the verticality and grandeur.

Ornamental stonework for holding the glass in a Gothic window, typically one displaying intricate patterns. It has both structural and decorative functions.