A cimborrio is a tower- or lantern-shaped superstructure over the crossing (intersection of the nave and transept) of a church, admitting light into the heart of the building. It is a characteristic feature of Spanish Romanesque and Gothic church architecture.
Characteristics
A cimborrio is distinguished by:
- Position — directly above the crossing
- Light function — windows in its walls admit daylight into the darkest part of the church
- Height — rises distinctly above the ridge line of the nave
- Construction — rests on pendentives or squinches that convert the square crossing into a round or octagonal base
Application
Cimborrios are found mainly in:
- Spanish cathedrals — such as the cathedrals of Burgos, Salamanca and Zamora
- Romanesque churches — as simple crossing towers with round-arched windows
- Gothic churches — more richly decorated with pointed windows and pinnacles
- Portuguese churches — similar forms in Portuguese Romanesque architecture
Cimborrio vs. dome vs. lantern
- Dome — a curved roof covering
- Lantern — a small turret on top of a dome for extra light
- Cimborrio — a polygonal or round tower over the crossing with windows, which may combine dome and lantern features
Related terms
- Crossing
- Transept
- Dome
- Lantern
- Pendentive
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