Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
pointed arch
This term is a technical architectural descriptor specifically associated with the Gothic style. It conveys a sense of verticality and lightness, contrasting with the rounded arches of Romanesque architecture which feel heavier and more grounded.
In a professional architectural or art historical context, the term is used to describe the structural innovation that allowed buildings to reach greater heights by directing weight more vertically than a semicircular arch.
Meanings
An arch with a pointed crown, characteristic of Gothic architecture, formed by the intersection of two arcs of circles.
The cathedral is famous for its soaring pointed arches and stained glass windows.