clerestory
Nave's high windows
A clerestory is the upper section of a wall containing windows that admit light into a building, positioned above adjacent rooflines or lower sections.
The term comes from the idea of a "clear story"—a level that lets light through.
Clerestories are characteristic of Gothic cathedrals and basilicas, where they illuminate the central nave, but the design appears in many architectural styles.
The clerestory windows flooded the sanctuary with afternoon light.
cathedral
Bishop's principal church
- basilicaColonnaded church with apse
- abbeyMonastic house of worship
- minsterImportant church, historically monastic
church · chapel · nave · sanctuary · gothic · stained glass · light · windows · elevation · arcade
- architectureEiffel Tower, buildings, architects, design, thatching
- churchnave, pew, pews, altar, altars
- barnsbarn, red barn, bank barn, dairy barn, pole barn
- building partsfacades, wall, door, windows, floor
- atriumsskylight, glass roof, central court, light well, balconies
- Architectural Featuresdome, Gothic arch, lancet, cupola, rose window
vertical position in architecture
clerestoryground level
Surface elevation plane
basement · crypt · ground floor · undercroft · cellar