Triumphal arch (church building)

Triumphal Arch in Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome

In early Christian , medieval and baroque architecture, a triumphal arch is a transverse wall in front of the choir area and the apse with a large arched opening that reveals the apse. It often occurs when a transept is inserted between the nave and the apse . The triumphal arch should not be confused with the rear end wall of a basilica surrounding the opening of the apse , the "apse forehead".

Early Christian architecture

In early Christian architecture, the sides of the triumphal arches facing the congregation were often clad with precious mosaics , on which mostly the triumphant Christ , the apostles or biblical stories were depicted.

Well-known examples of such triumphal arches can be found in:

• San Giovanni in Laterano
• San Lorenzo Fuori le mura
• Saint Paul Outside the Walls
• Santa Maria Maggiore
• Santa Prassede

Triumphal arch in the Church of St. Pierre in Orthez , France

Medieval architecture

In medieval architecture, the arch of the choir entrance , i.e. usually the eastern crossing arch, is referred to as the triumphal arch. It was sometimes marked inside by a " triumphal cross " and / or exaggerated outside by a bell gable. Sometimes the western crossing arch is also referred to as the triumphal arch, especially when it adopts the three-arched shape of one.

See also

• Triumphal arch scheme

literature

• Hugo Brandenburg: The early Christian churches in Rome . Schnell & Steiner, Regensburg 2005, ISBN 3-7954-1656-6 .