archways

An archway is a curved structural opening that spans an entrance, passage, or window. It is formed by wedge-shaped stones or bricks, called voussoirs, arranged around a central keystone and supported by stable abutments at each side. The shape of the arch allows it to transfer weight from above down into the supports, enabling openings wider than would be possible with a flat lintel alone.

Arches first appear in ancient architectures in various forms, with the true arch becoming common in Roman construction using brick or stone. Earlier corbel arches appeared in different cultures, but the variation and engineering of the semicircular arch enabled large-scale bridges, aqueducts, and buildings. During the Gothic period, architects developed pointed arches that could bear greater loads and create taller, more light-filled interiors. Islamic architecture advanced horseshoe and ogee arches, while segmental and elliptical arches found use in many regions.

Common types include semicircular (Roman) arches, pointed (Gothic) arches, segmental arches, horseshoe arches, and ogee arches. Each type affects the opening width, height, rainwater runoff, and structural behavior in different ways. Archways may be solid masonry openings or incorporate decorative elements, such as molding, inscriptions, or tracery.

Materials vary from traditional stone and brick to modern reinforced concrete and steel. Construction relies on precise shaping of voussoirs and reliable abutments, with a keystone locking the pieces in place. In addition to their structural function, archways serve aesthetic and symbolic purposes in architecture and landscape design.

In contemporary use, archways frame entrances, passageways, garden features, and interior transitions. They remain a common element in historic preservation and new construction, valued for their architectural heritage, load-bearing efficiency, and visual appeal.