Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Madonna
della Miseri-
cordia
literally 'Madonna of Mercy'; in art, an iconic formula showing a group of people seeking
protection under the outspread cloak of the Madonna
literally 'Majesty'; in art, an iconic formula of the enthroned Madonna with Christ Child,
often surrounded by angels and saints
MaestÃ
mausoleo
mausoleum; stately and magnificent tomb
narthex
vestibule along the facade of an early Christian church
the main body, or middle part (lengthwise), of a church, flanked by aisles and extending
typically from the entrance to the
apse
nave
necropolis
ancient cemetery or burial site
oculus
round window
a low triangular gable crowned with a projecting cornice, especially over a portico or
porch at the end of a gable-roofed building
pediment
piano nobile
main floor of a palace
literally 'pity' or 'compassion'; sculpture, drawing or painting of the dead Christ being
held by the Madonna
PietÃ
pietra forte
fine sandstone used as a building material
pietra serena
greenish-grey 'serene stone'
pieve
parish church, usually in a rural setting
pinacoteca
art gallery
podium
a low continuous structure serving as a base or terrace wall
polyptych
painting or carving consisting of more than three panels; usually used as an altarpiece
porphyry
dark blue-, purple- or red-coloured rock
a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers forming the entrance to a
church or other building
portico
predella
small painting or panel attached below a large altarpiece
