Támrácsok

Támrácsok, often translated as buttresses, are architectural elements primarily used in the construction of Gothic cathedrals and other large buildings. Their main function is to provide lateral support to the walls, counteracting the outward thrust generated by vaulted ceilings and heavy roofs. Without these external supports, the tall, thin walls characteristic of Gothic architecture would be prone to collapse.

These structures typically consist of a sloping mass of masonry built against an exterior wall. In the most developed forms, flying buttresses are employed. These are a more complex type of buttress that extends from the upper part of a wall, leaps over an aisle or chapel, and lands on a large pier. This design allows for greater height and larger windows, as it directs the thrust of the nave vault downwards and outwards to the piers. The weight of the buttress itself, often capped with a pinnacle, further aids in its stability and effectiveness.

The development of the buttress was a crucial innovation that enabled architects to achieve unprecedented heights and to incorporate vast expanses of stained glass into their designs, transforming the interior of churches into luminous, awe-inspiring spaces. They are a defining feature of Gothic architecture, contributing significantly to its distinctive aesthetic and structural integrity.