Architecture et construction - Medieval Architecture

the ornamental stonework or decorative patterns of interlacing shapes and lines, typically found in Gothic architecture

tracerie

an enclosed courtyard or garden, typically surrounded by buildings or walls

cour intérieure

a decorative protruding knob or ornament found at the intersection of ribs in vaulted ceilings or at the center of a ceiling or arch

bossage

a decorative or functional vessel for holding burning material, used for lighting purposes

torche

a protruding structure that supports a building or wall and is made out of bricks or stones

buttress

the semi-circular or triangular space enclosed by the lintel and arch above a doorway, often decorated with sculptural reliefs or intricate designs

tympan

a decorative architectural feature commonly found in Gothic architecture, characterized by a fan-like pattern of interlocking stone ribs or wooden beams that create intricate vaulted ceilings or window designs

tracé en éventail

a small tower attached on top of a castle, large building, or wall

tourelle

a low wall with alternating raised sections and indentations built along the top of a fortified structure for defensive purposes

bretèche

an architectural feature commonly found in medieval fortifications, consisting of openings or holes in the floor or wall that allowed defenders to drop projectiles or pour boiling substances on attackers below

machicoulis

a chamber or compartment in a tower or building where bells are stored or rung

clocheton

a narrow vertical opening in medieval fortifications for shooting arrows

fente de tir

a temporary wooden fence or barricade erected for protection or construction purposes

panneau de chantier

a small, decorative structure with windows that allow light to enter and illuminate the surrounding area

lanterne

a small, turret-like structure typically found on the corners or edges of a fortified building, often used for observation or defense

bastion

a tall structure designed to house and ring bells, serving as a prominent architectural feature and often associated with religious or civic buildings

clocheton

a designated space or building where guards or sentries are stationed to perform security duties and maintain surveillance over a specific area or entrance

salle de garde

a fortified structure or building that serves as an entrance or gateway to a larger complex, such as a castle or estate, often featuring defensive features such as towers, walls, and gates

maison de porte

a wide and deep hole, often filled with water, that is dug around a castle and used as an extra protection against attack of enemies

fosse

a defensive fortification or rampart that is positioned in front of or outside the main fortification, providing an additional layer of protection and serving as a barrier against enemy attacks

contrefort

a sloping earthwork or artificial slope in front of a fortification or defensive structure, designed to protect it from direct enemy fire and to make it more difficult for attackers to approach

glacis

a raised walkway or path built along the top of a defensive wall or fortification, allowing guards to patrol and monitor the perimeter for potential threats

chemin de ronde

an outwork fortification that is shaped like a horn or crescent and is typically located in front of a main fortification or entrance

corne

the central fortified tower or stronghold within a castle or fortification

donjon

a defensive structure or system constructed to protect an area or position from enemy attacks, typically including walls, towers, and other defensive elements

fortification

a heavy, vertically sliding gate or barrier made of metal or wood, typically found in medieval fortifications, that is used to control access to a castle, fortress, or other fortified structure

herse

a fortified entrance structure for protection and control

barbacane

a fortified structure extending from a wall, typically angled, for defensive purposes

bastion

an opening or loophole in a fortification or wall, usually in the form of a narrow vertical slit, designed for observation or the discharge of weapons

embrasure

a secure gate or entrance in a fortification or defensive wall that allows for controlled entry and exit, often used for sallies or sorties during a siege

porte de sortie

a triangular or polygonal fortification with a raised platform located outside the main defensive walls of a fortress, used to defend the approach and provide additional protection against enemy attacks

ravelin

a tower located within the walls of a castle or fortress, used to provide additional space for soldiers or for storing weapons and supplies

tour de rideau

the point or curve formed by the intersection of two arcs or curves, commonly seen in the tracery of Gothic architecture

cuspide

a large, grand room within a building, often found in medieval castles or palaces, used for dining, entertaining, and important gatherings

grande salle

a decorative motif or ornament in the shape of a small spherical bud or flower, typically found in Gothic architecture

fleur-boule

a decorative architectural feature that involves creating a sequence of small projecting elements in a repeating pattern along the top of a parapet or gable

brattissement

a decorative architectural element or design motif consisting of three overlapping circles or lobes, often used in Gothic architecture and representing the leaves of a clover

trèfle

a fortified stronghold, often situated in a commanding location for defense purposes

citadelle

a guarded dark underground space usually in a castle, used to keep prisoners

donjon

a tall structure or building used for observation and surveillance, often associated with defensive or strategic purposes

tour de guet

an old fortified castle that is surrounded by an outer wall and is located on a small hill

château à motte et bailey

a small gate or door, often found in the walls of a fortification or castle, providing a secondary or discreet entrance or exit

portillon