Structural Components of
Gothic Churches and Cathedrals:

• Aisle : Passageways of a church or cathedral, separated from the Nave by rows of pillars; generally running along the north and south sides.
  
  
• Ambulatory : A continuous isle which wraps a circular structure or an apse at its base. Designed for use in Processions.
  
  
• Apse : A vaulted element in a church or cathedral which serves to terminate a semicircular Aisle or Chapel. The Apse, generally domed, will often form the Altar. The term is derived from the Medieval Latin: absis or apsis.
  
  
• Basilica : A term sometimes used in reference to a cathedral for ceremonial reasons, although traditionally denoting an earlier form of structure. The Basilica is the archetype of succeeding cathedral forms, the most famous of which is the early Saint Peter's in Rome. A Basilica consists of a Nave bordered along its side by Aisles with a Clerestory and an Apse.
  
  
• Chancel : Altar space reserved for the clergy or choir, bordered by railings.
  
  
• Chantry chapel : A sub-chapel set aside for chanting of masses, often sponsored through an endowment. Prayers in the Chantry chapel are generally dedicated to the donor.
  
  
• Chapter house : The administrative center or Bishop's office, attached to a cathedral, traditionally organized for the overseeing of a cathedral's construction and maintenance.
  
  
• Chevet : The extreme east of a cathedral when Chapels encircle an Apse and an Ambulatory.
  
  
• Choir : The area located between the Sanctuary and the Nave. By definition: the place where the psalms are sung. Loosely used to define the whole East end of a cathedral, and as a synonym for Chancel. Traditionally inaccessible to the public, reserved for the clergy or members of the choir
  
  
• Clerestory : The upper area of the Nave, Transepts and Choir. The raised passage, above the Aisles, often windowed.
  
  
• Crossing : The central space of a church or cathedral. The intersection of the Nave, Transepts and Chancel.
  
  
• Crypt : The rooms below the cathedral designated as burial chambers.
  
  Image at right: The Crypt of Canterbury cathedral, England.
  
  
• Cupola : The turret which serves as the crown to the dome or roof of a structure.
  
  Garth : The garden or court within a cloister, usually attached to or near a cathedral.
  
  
• Hall church : A structure which does not contain a Clerestory or Triforium, thus the Aisles and Nave will be approximately the same height.
  
  
• Narthex : A ceilinged porch or vestibule situated west of the Nave and Aisles. (Sometimes referred to as a Galilee.)
  
  
• Nave : The central area of the western branch of a cathedral, bordered by Aisles. The center of a church or cathedral, intended for seating of parishioners.
  
  
• Oratory : A small chapel or private room set aside for individual prayer.
  
  
• Parvis : An area situated before a church or cathedral, in some instances enclosed.
  
  
• Porch : The reception space situated at the entrance to a church or cathedral.
  
  
• Presbytery (Sanctuary) : The area east of the Choir which contains or features the High Altar. The area of a church or cathedral reserved for the clergy.
  
  
• Retrochoir : The space situated directly to the rear of the altar in a church or cathedral.
  
  
• Sacristy : The secure storing chamber for holy relics and sacred vestments.
  
  
• Spire: A tapering, often elegant, structure set atop a tower. In certain instances, the tower itself has been designed as a spire. On churches, smaller scale spires are often referred to as Steeples.
  
  Image at right: The Spire over the crossing of the Transepts at Notre Dame de Paris.
  
  
• Transepts : The north and south projecting extensions of a Cruciform style church or cathedral, crossing at right angles to the greater length.
  
  
• Triforium: A walled passageway opening with arcades which run along and above the Nave, below the Clerestory.