An independent field guide to church buildingsVisit Pass $1.95/month · Free during preview
Aisle & Apse Read the building

Features / Walls, arches & windows

Walls, arches & windows

Pilaster

A flat column-like strip projecting slightly from a wall, with a base and capital, used to divide and order a facade.

Where to look
Shallow "columns" on a wall face, often in pairs either side of a door.
Styles
On the drawings
Not marked on the drawings.

Not sure of the style? Use the Style Finder

Cross-section of a vaulted building with a nave, two aisles and flying buttresses. Each label links to its feature. NAVE AISLE AISLE RoofPinnacleFlying buttressButtressAisleRib vaultClerestoryTriforiumArcadePierNave
Cross-sectionFor orientation: Pilaster is not drawn here.