Archivolt

Archivolts and tympanum from Strasbourg Cathedral

Archivolts at Speyer Cathedral

An archivolt (or voussure) is an ornamental molding or band following the curve on the underside of an arch. It is composed of bands of ornamental moldings (or other architectural elements) surrounding an arched opening, corresponding to the architrave in the case of a rectangular opening. The word is sometimes used to refer to the under-side or inner curve of the arch itself (more properly, the intrados).

The word originates in the Italian (or French) equivalents of the English words arch and vault.

References

• University of Pittsburgh, Glossary of Medieval Art and Architecture