Classical architecture, known for its balance, symmetry, and precise proportions, traces back to ancient Greek and Roman influences. Over centuries, these styles have inspired many structures and buildings around the world, embodying ideals of order, beauty, and harmony.

In the article below, World History Edu explains essential elements of classical architecture, offering insight into the features and styles that define this timeless aesthetic.

Column

Columns are vertical structural elements that bear loads in buildings. In classical architecture, columns are not only functional but also decorative. Columns have three main parts:

• Base: The bottom of the column, often adorned in Ionic and Corinthian styles but plain in the Doric.
• Shaft: The elongated middle section, typically fluted for visual appeal.
• Capital: The top section, unique to each order, which transitions the column to the load above.

Columns come in various “orders,” each with unique characteristics and proportions.

Doric Order

The Doric order is the earliest and simplest, identified by a plain, unadorned capital and a fluted shaft. Doric columns lack a base and often appear stout and robust, giving structures a solid, grounded appearance. This order is commonly associated with Greek temples, such as the Parthenon in Athens.

Ionic Order

The Ionic order is known for its more graceful, slender columns and scrolled capitals resembling rams’ horns, or volutes. Ionic columns rest on a base, and the shafts are often taller than those in the Doric order, giving a sense of elegance and height.

Corinthian Order

Corinthian columns are the most ornate, with elaborate capitals adorned with acanthus leaves and scrolls. This order is associated with Roman architecture and is used to convey a sense of luxury and intricacy.

Entablature

An entablature is the horizontal structure that rests on the columns and is divided into three main parts:

• Architrave: The lowest section, directly above the column capitals, which serves as a lintel.
• Frieze: Above the architrave, the frieze may be plain or decorated with sculptural relief, such as scenes from mythology.
• Cornice: The uppermost part, projecting outward to cap the structure and protect it from rain.

The entablature creates visual coherence between columns and the roof, tying different architectural elements together.

Pediment

A pediment is a triangular gable typically found above the portico in classical structures. Pediments often contain sculptures or reliefs that illustrate myths, historical events, or symbols associated with the building’s purpose. Originally a feature in Greek temples, pediments became popular in Roman and later Renaissance architecture as well.

Portico

A portico is an entrance or porch area supported by columns and topped with a pediment. It serves as a transition between the exterior and interior, often providing shade and shelter. Porticos are seen in temples, public buildings, and private homes, conveying a sense of grandeur and formality.

Cella (or Naos)

The cella, also called the naos, is the main inner chamber of a classical temple, usually housing a statue of the deity to whom the temple is dedicated. This space is enclosed by walls and often inaccessible to the public, reserved for priests and religious ceremonies.

Stylobate

The stylobate is the upper platform or floor on which a series of columns stands. It serves as the foundation, elevating the temple and giving it a prominent, sacred position. The stylobate is usually accessed by steps and may include leveling adjustments to counter optical illusions.

Tympanum

The tympanum is the inner triangle of the pediment and is often adorned with carvings or sculptures. It provides a space for intricate storytelling, representing religious or mythological themes. In later periods, the tympanum became a feature in churches and cathedrals.

Peristyle

A peristyle is a continuous line of columns surrounding a building or a courtyard. In classical temples, the peristyle creates a colonnade, allowing people to walk around the structure. Peristyles were also popular in Roman homes, where they framed courtyards and gardens.

Cornice

A cornice is a projecting ledge or molding that caps the entablature. In classical architecture, the cornice is often elaborately decorated and adds a sense of refinement to the building. It also has a practical function, diverting rainwater away from the structure.

Frieze

The frieze is the middle portion of the entablature, located between the architrave and the cornice. This area often includes sculptural decoration, sometimes featuring narrative reliefs or patterns, adding to the building’s visual richness. Friezes in classical architecture frequently depict processions, battles, or mythological scenes.

Acroterion

An acroterion is a decorative element placed on the apex and corners of a pediment. These decorations are usually ornate, featuring floral motifs or sculptural figures. Acroteria add visual interest and elegance to the otherwise structured geometry of the pediment.

Acanthus

The acanthus is a plant motif commonly found in the capitals of Corinthian columns. With its curling leaves and intricate shape, the acanthus symbolizes enduring beauty and growth. It’s one of the most distinctive and recurring decorative elements in classical design.

Volute

A volute is a spiral or scroll-like decoration found on Ionic capitals. The volute’s graceful curves add fluidity to the architecture, and its organic shape contrasts with the building’s straight lines, bringing a sense of balance and refinement.

Caryatid

A caryatid is a sculpted female figure that serves as a supporting column or pillar. Caryatids appear in Greek architecture, famously at the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens. They combine the strength of columns with the beauty of the human form, embodying a fusion of art and architecture.

Triglyph and Metope

In the Doric order, the frieze alternates between triglyphs and metopes:

• Triglyph: A block with three vertical grooves, representing the end of wooden beams in early construction.
• Metope: The square space between triglyphs, often decorated with carvings or sculptures. The interplay between triglyphs and metopes creates rhythm and visual interest.

Pilaster

A pilaster is a flattened, decorative column embedded in a wall, giving the appearance of a support structure without bearing load. Pilasters are often found flanking doors, windows, and building corners, adding a sense of depth and elegance to facades.

Keystone

A keystone is the central, wedge-shaped stone at the top of an arch. It locks the other stones in place, enabling the arch to bear weight. In classical and later architecture, keystones are often embellished, serving as a focal point in an archway.

Dentils

Dentils are small, rectangular blocks that form a decorative band, often found below cornices. Named after the Latin word for “teeth,” dentils resemble a row of teeth and provide a subtle yet effective ornamental detail, contributing to the classical architecture’s rhythm and symmetry.

Pedestal

A pedestal is a base that supports a column, statue, or obelisk. In classical architecture, pedestals elevate structures, creating a sense of prominence and respect for the object it upholds.

Arch

Although more common in Roman architecture, arches are curved structures that span openings. In classical design, arches convey strength and durability, often seen in aqueducts, bridges, and triumphal arches. Arches distribute weight efficiently, allowing for larger structures and openings.

Atrium

In Roman houses, the atrium was a central open area, typically with a pool or fountain to collect rainwater. It served as a gathering space, surrounded by rooms and sometimes leading to a peristyle garden. Atriums added light, ventilation, and a sense of grandeur to Roman residences.

Oculus

An oculus is a circular opening at the top of a dome or wall, admitting natural light into the building. The Pantheon in Rome famously features an oculus at the top of its dome, creating a dramatic interplay of light and shadow.

Vault

A vault is an arched ceiling or roof, developed to support greater loads and cover larger spaces. Common vaults in classical architecture include:

• Barrel Vault: A continuous arch forming a tunnel shape.
• Groin Vault: Formed by intersecting barrel vaults, allowing for larger open spaces.

Vaults enabled classical architects to create expansive interiors, influencing later developments in Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Rotunda

A rotunda is a round building or room, often capped by a dome. Rotundas are popular in Roman architecture, as seen in the Pantheon, providing a sense of openness and continuity with the surrounding landscape.

Niche

A niche is a shallow recess in a wall, often designed to hold a statue or decorative object. Niche spaces enhance walls, adding depth and places to display artwork or religious icons.

Apse

An apse is a semicircular recess in a building, typically found at the end of a basilica or temple. Originally used in Roman basilicas and temples, apses became common in early Christian and Byzantine churches, often housing altars or statues.

Basilica

A basilica is a large, rectangular building with a central nave and side aisles. Originally used as public meeting spaces in Roman towns, basilicas later influenced Christian church design, incorporating transepts and apses to form a cross-shaped layout.

Dome

A dome is a rounded, hemispherical structure that provides overhead cover. The Romans perfected the use of domes, as seen in the Pantheon, creating expansive interiors with a sense of grandeur. Domes later became central features in Renaissance and Baroque churches.

Obelisk

An obelisk is a tall, slender stone pillar with a square base, tapering to a pyramidion at the top. Originating in Egypt, obelisks were adopted by Roman emperors and placed in public spaces as symbols of power and divine protection.

Exedra

An exedra is a semicircular recess or niche, often with seating. In Roman architecture, exedras served as spaces for philosophical discussions or public gatherings. Later used in Renaissance gardens, exedras offer both aesthetic beauty and functionality.

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of an Abacus in classical architecture?

The abacus is a flat slab resting atop a column’s capital, designed to support the architrave or arch above.

What is an Akroterion, and where is it commonly placed?

An akroterion is a decorative element placed at the apex and corners of a temple’s roof, often made of clay or bronze and shaped as a palm or statue, such as Nike.

What part of a building does the Architrave represent?

The architrave is the lowermost part of the entablature, positioned directly above the columns.

What is an Atlantide in classical architecture?

An atlantide is a sculpted male figure that supports an entablature, resembling Atlas in Greek mythology.

What is a Capital, and how does it vary in style?

The capital is the top part of a column, connecting with the abacus to distribute weight. Styles range from the simple Doric to the intricate Corinthian, which features acanthus leaves.

What does the Cavea refer to in classical theater design?

The cavea is the seating area in a theater, typically constructed into a natural hillside.

What is a Cella in a temple?

The cella is the inner sanctuary of a temple, usually rectangular and sometimes housing a statue of a deity.

What purpose does a Column serve, and what are its styles?

A column is a vertical structure supporting the abacus and architrave. Styles include Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, and some columns commemorate events, like Trajan’s Column.

What is a Crepidoma in temple construction?

The crepidoma is the three-step foundation supporting temple columns, with the top step known as the stylobate.

What is a Decastyle Temple, and give an example.

A decastyle temple has ten columns on each façade, such as the Temple of Apollo in Miletus.

What are Dentils, and where are they used?

Dentils are a series of small, square blocks used as a decorative border on cornices.

What is the purpose of a Diazoma in a theater?

A diazoma is a horizontal walkway dividing seating tiers in a theater.

What is a Dodecastyle Temple?

A dodecastyle temple features twelve columns on each façade.

What is a Drum in column construction?

A drum is one of the circular sections used to construct columns.

What are Engaged Columns?

Engaged columns are partly embedded in a wall, creating the appearance of a free-standing column.

What does an Entablature include?

An entablature consists of the architrave, frieze, and cornice and lies above columns.

What is a Flute in column design?

Flutes are vertical grooves carved into a column for visual effect.

What is a Hexastyle Temple, and provide an example.

A hexastyle temple has six columns on each façade, like the Maison Carrée in Nîmes.

What does “in antis” mean in architectural design?

“In antis” refers to portico walls extending in line with façade columns.

What is a Metope in classical architecture?

A metope is a square space in a frieze, often filled with relief sculpture.

What is a Monolithic Column?

A monolithic column is made from a single piece of stone.