Structural Terms of Cathedral
Definations as seen at elore.com

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.

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.

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.

Image at right : The nave interior of Saint Vitus cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic.

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.


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.