DISCOVER ROMANESQUE: Glossary
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![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA//FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA//105B-046b-SS-TRINITA'-DI-SA.jpg)
Abbey
Abbey
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA//FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA//105B-046b-SS-TRINITA'-DI-SA.jpg)
A monastic community which is independent of episcopal authority. A complex consisting of an abbey church and the buildings required for monastic life.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/124A-136a-SAN-PIETRO-VILLAM.jpg)
Apse
Apse
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/124A-136a-SAN-PIETRO-VILLAM.jpg)
The semicircular structure generally positioned at the eastern end of a church.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/134/134_04.jpg)
Apsidal conch
Apsidal conch
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/134/134_04.jpg)
A half cap covering the apsidal half cylinder.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Arch (round, pointed, horseshoe)
Arch (round, pointed, horseshoe)
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A curved structure having a supporting and decorative function and resting on columns, pillars or jambs. A round arch is semicircular in shape; the curve of a pointed arch is broken centrally at the top to form a cusp; a horseshoe arch is shaped so that the centre of the circumference is on a higher level than the diameter.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/133/133_13.jpg)
Architrave
Architrave
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/133/133_13.jpg)
An architectural element resting or fitted horizontally on top of two supporting elements, enclosing a quadrangular space and supporting any weight.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/133/133_13.jpg)
Archivolt
Archivolt
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/133/133_13.jpg)
A decorative band skirting the front of an arch.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Ashlar
Ashlar
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A building stone squared and smoothed on the exposed surface.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Barrel vault
Barrel vault
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A roof covering consisting of a half cylinder resting on two perimeter walls.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/104A-SANTA-MARIA-DI-CONTRA.jpg)
Bell gable
Bell gable
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/104A-SANTA-MARIA-DI-CONTRA.jpg)
A masonry structure generally built on the facade and pierced by openings in which the church bell are hung.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/118D-001e-SAN-GAVINO.jpg)
Blind arch
Blind arch
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/118D-001e-SAN-GAVINO.jpg)
An arch projecting from a wall and resting on pilasters or half columns. As a rule, it is one of a series and fulfils a decorative function.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/141/141_11.jpg)
Bracket
Bracket
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/141/141_11.jpg)
A small corbel designed to support hanging archlets or masonry arches, sometimes enclosing various subjects sculpted in relief.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_18_10_02_28.jpg)
Capital
Capital
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_18_10_02_28.jpg)
A truncated-cone-shaped stone element topping a column and supporting an arch or architrave.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/113C-014f-SAN-SIMPLICIO.jpg)
Cathedral
Cathedral
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/113C-014f-SAN-SIMPLICIO.jpg)
The main church in a diocese where the bishop performs his functions. A cathedra, or bishop's throne, stood behind or next to the high altar.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_13_10_01_25.jpg)
Ceramic basin
Ceramic basin
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_13_10_01_25.jpg)
A glazed painted earthenware bowl in the form of a hemisphere, frequently used as a wall decoration in mosques and Romanesque churches.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Client
Client
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A person or organization (secular or ecclesiastical) that promotes and finances a work of art.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Column/Pillar
Column/Pillar
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A vertical supporting architectural element with a circular cross-section, generally consisting of a base, a shaft and a capital. If the shaft is non-circular in cross-section, the element is generally termed a pillar.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Condaghe
Condaghe
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A document formerly used in Sardinia to bequeath a legacy or donation to a church. The term is also used in a wider sense to denote a book recording the deeds relating to a medieval monastery in Sardinia.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_11_18_08_06.jpg)
Cross vault
Cross vault
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_11_18_08_06.jpg)
A roof covering formed by the intersection at right angles of two barrel vaults.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/120C-011n-SANTA-GIUSTA.jpg)
Crypt
Crypt
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/120C-011n-SANTA-GIUSTA.jpg)
A vaulted space, partly or totally underground, lying below the floor of a church and frequently housing the bodies and relics of saints.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_18_10_23_59.jpg)
Dichromatic masonry
Dichromatic masonry
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_18_10_23_59.jpg)
Building work consisting of stones of different colours (generally light-coloured limestone and dark-coloured volcanic stone) alternating in a more or less regular fashion.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Diocese
Diocese
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
An ecclesiastical district placed under the authority of a bishop.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Dome
Dome
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A cap-shaped vault with perfect central symmetry. It can have a polygonal, circular or elliptical base and a semicircular, parabolic or ovoid profile.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Fake loggia
Fake loggia
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A series of mural archlets giving the impression of a walkable arcade.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA//FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA//105A-046a-SS-TRINITA'-DI-SA.jpg)
Fresco
Fresco
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA//FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA//105A-046a-SS-TRINITA'-DI-SA.jpg)
A painting technique involving the application of watered-down colours on fresh plaster.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Gable
Gable
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A triangular space above the trabeation which is bound by two slopes.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Giudicato
Giudicato
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
One of the four Sardinian kingdoms (Cagliari, Arborea, Gallura, Torres) ruled by a judge or king following the naming used in Sardinia between the 11th and 15th centuries.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_13_10_09_00.jpg)
Hanging arch
Hanging arch
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_13_10_09_00.jpg)
A decorative element resting on consoles or corbels and running along the top of church walls.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Impost
Impost
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
The surface supporting an arch on top of a column or pillar.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Intarsia
Intarsia
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
An ornamental technique that fits together small pieces of different materials to form a predetermined pattern. In Upper Tyrrhenian Romanesque, the inlaying of shaped pieces in a concave marble base, used for floors and decorative panels.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Labour
Labour
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Workers employed in a building yard with different skills – architects, stonecutters, masons, sculptors, painters.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Lunette
Lunette
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
The semicircular surface between the architrave of a doorway and the arch above.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Main body
Main body
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
The space in a church that is accessible to the faithful, as distinct from the presbytery, the area reserved for the clergy.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/139/139_09.jpg)
Nave/Aisles
Nave/Aisles
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/139/139_09.jpg)
A longitudinal section in a church (or part thereof) bounded by columns or pillars, 'nave' being the term applied to the central section and 'aisles' the word used for the side spaces.
Part of the interior of a church that is separated from the remainder by a row of columns or pillars.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Pieve
Pieve
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A rural church with a baptistery, located at the centre of a civil and religious district. Originally used to denote a rural district in a diocese, the term came to indicate the head church of the district, which was entitled to administer baptism and bury the dead on behalf of the bishop.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/122A-013a-SANTA-REPARATA.jpg)
Pilaster
Pilaster
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/122A-013a-SANTA-REPARATA.jpg)
A vertical element of a wall, consisting of a half pillar or a half column.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Plan (T-shaped, longitudinal, Latin-cross, aisleless)
Plan (T-shaped, longitudinal, Latin-cross, aisleless)
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A schematic (reduced-scale) representation of the spaces that form a building.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_13_10_52_16.jpg)
Polyptych
Polyptych
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_13_10_52_16.jpg)
A painting on wood or canvas consisting of several parts joined by a fixed frame or hinges.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/135/135_06.jpg)
Portal
Portal
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/135/135_06.jpg)
The entrance to a civil or religious building, characterized by a more or less elaborate structure and architectural decoration.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_13_11_20_49.jpg)
Predella
Predella
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_13_11_20_49.jpg)
A painted band divided into several panel, usually forming the lower portion of altar-pieces painted on wood.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Presbytery
Presbytery
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
The part of a church that surrounds the high altar and is reserved for the clergy. It is generally separated from the main body of the church by one or more steps or by a fence.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/139/139_12.jpg)
Protome
Protome
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/139/139_12.jpg)
A decorative element in the form of a head or bust of a human being, an animal, a monster or of an animal with a human head. It is used to adorn consoles, cornices and pediments.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/138/138_08.jpg)
Pseudo-isodomic technique
Pseudo-isodomic technique
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/138/138_08.jpg)
A building technique using well-squared slabs which are laid alternately flat and upright. Unlike the isodomic technique, it does not correspond to the full thickness of the wall.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/133/133_09.jpg)
Pulpit
Pulpit
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/133/133_09.jpg)
A liturgical structure in the church consisting of a wooden or stone box, generally supported by columns and accessed via steps. It was formerly used by priests when reading the holy scriptures.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Rectory
Rectory
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
An institution by virtue of which the clergy of a parish gathered to organize their pastoral activity, or the place where communal life was conducted. From the mid-12th century onwards the term has also been used to denote the dwelling of the rector of a non-canonical church.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_13_11_03_59.jpg)
Retable
Retable
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_13_11_03_59.jpg)
A painting placed on the altar, consisting of several wooden panels (polyptych) connected by frames. The panels are distempered, frequenlty with gold backgrounds. It was introduced to Sardinia after the Catalan-Aragonese conquest.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/140/140_07.jpg)
Rose window
Rose window
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/140/140_07.jpg)
Generally a round window with a radiating motif, piercing the facade of a church. The term may also denote a generic motif with the same shape.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Rusticated ashlar
Rusticated ashlar
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Rough-hewn building stone in the form of an irregular parallelepiped.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/116A-017d-SAN-NICOLA.jpg)
Single-light window
Single-light window
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/116A-017d-SAN-NICOLA.jpg)
A window with a single light.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Splay
Splay
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Bevel cut of the stones that form a window towards both the inside and the outside of a church. This makes it possible to maximize the quantity of light gathered from the outside, concentrate it to the centre and diffuse it towards the interior as a light beam.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Stepped lozenge
Stepped lozenge
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A motif in the walls of Romanesque churches consisting of a diamond embedded in the masonry, frequently embellished with tarsia decorations.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/LUCCA/135/135_08.jpg)
String course
String course
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/LUCCA/135/135_08.jpg)
An architectural element consisting of a series of projecting mouldings, frequently decorated with bas-reliefs and designed to mark the separation between different levels of a building.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Tetramorph
Tetramorph
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A representation of the Gospels and the Evangelists through their respective symbols – a man for Matthew, a lion for Mark, a bull for Luke and an eagle for John.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/2011_05_7_10_41_47.jpg)
Three-light window
Three-light window
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/2011_05_7_10_41_47.jpg)
A window with three lights separated by mullions.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Tier
Tier
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A horizontal section forming part of the decoration of a wall surface.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Transept
Transept
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
An architectural space of varying size crossing the nave and aisles at right angles.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Truss
Truss
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A triangular frame of beams used as a support structure for a two-pitch roof. It is generally made of wood.
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/prw/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/116B-017e-SAN-NICOLA.jpg)
Two-light mullioned window
Two-light mullioned window
![](dbsite_on_line/../immagini/big/SARDEGNA/FOTO ROMANICO SARDEGNA/116B-017e-SAN-NICOLA.jpg)
A window with two lights separated by a mullion.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Vestments and church plate
Vestments and church plate
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Movable items (silver plate, books, paraments, etc.) and fixtures (pulpit, altar, presbyterial fence, etc.) used in religious ceremonies and celebrations in a church.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Wall panel
Wall panel
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A vertical portion of a wall surface, generally bounded by pilasters.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Wheel
Wheel
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
A round, usually inlaid element decorating masonry.
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
Women's gallery
Women's gallery
![Logo ITERRCOST Logo ITERRCOST](https://itinera-romanica.eu/_template/immagini/logo_iterr.png)
An internal arcade facing the nave, originally meant for women.