Pendentive
a construction shaped like a triangle that transitions the space between square walls and the base of a round dome
Catacomb
underground burial place
Typology
the study of biblical types; a biblical type is anything in the Old Testament that is mirrored and re-established in the New Testament.
Central-plan building
any structure designed with a primary central space surrounded by symmetrical areas on each side; also called a greek-cross plan
Apse
a domed or vaulted recess or projection on a building especially the east end of a church
Ambulatory
the passage (walkway) around the apse in a basilican church or around the central space in a central-plan church
Tesserae
the small piece of stone, glass, or other object that is pieced together with many others to create a mosaic
Chi-rho-iota
The first three letters of Christ's name in Greek. (in Latin XPI) The symbol, often called a chi-rho, is a monogram of Christ.
Monastery
A place where communities of monks live lives of devotion to God in isolation from the outside world
Fibula
A decorative pin, usually used to fasten garments.
Tympanum
half-round panel that fills the space between the lintel and arch over the doorway of the church.
Trumeau
in church architecture, the pillar or center post supporting the lintel in the middle of the doorway.
Jambs
In architecture, the side posts of a doorway.
Cloister
a courtyard with covered walks (as in religious institutions)
Flying buttress
a buttress that stands apart from the main structure and connected to it by an arch