The crossing, and windows (part 1)

You are now standing at the “crossing”. That’s the intersection of the nave (the wide center aisle and pews, from the door you came in, to here) and the transept (the rectangular “arms” to your right and left). Standing here, you see the building is in the shape of a cross. The section of the church from the transept forward, past the altar to the front wall is called the “chancel.” It has two parts: the “choir,” and the “apse.” Looking towards the altar, you see steps leading up through another set of pews, parallel to the main aisle. This is the choir, and is where the choir and other liturgical ministers sit during services that include singing. Beyond those pews, there is a rail, and then the altar. The area beyond the rail is called the apse, and in true Gothic style, it has a rounded back wall.

Face the door you entered and look up near the roof, all along the nave and the transept. Notice there are many stained-glass windows there. That area is called the clerestory. The central portion of the roof, above the pews, is higher than the roof above the side aisles. This allows windows to be added so that more light can enter. Light is a symbol of God, so more is always better!

Look around the church at the windows. Notice that you can see multiple shapes of windows. Most are pointed, shaped to fit in the arches. Some are called “tympanum” windows. These are small round (or sometimes pointed) windows usually found just above doorways. You’ll see both round and pointed ones. Another type of window often used in Gothic churches is the rose window. It’s large and round, usually installed above the main entrance or above the altar. You can’t see rose windows in the cathedral, but there is one close by. We’ll talk about it more when we go into the chapel. Now, look towards the altar again.