Buttress facts for kids

Buttresses at Sint-Petrus-en-Pauluskerk in Ostend, Belgium.

A buttress is a special structure built against the outside of a building's wall. Its main job is to give the wall extra support. This helps the building stay strong and prevents its walls from leaning or collapsing. Buttresses are very common in old buildings, especially in places like Europe. They can be designed as part of the building's inside structure or as an external support.

What is a Buttress?

A buttress acts like a strong arm holding up a wall. Imagine pushing on a tall, thin box; it might wobble. Now imagine putting a sturdy block against its side. That block is like a buttress, giving the box more stability. Buildings, especially tall ones or those with heavy roofs, need this extra support.

Why are Buttresses Used?

Buttresses are used to resist the outward push from heavy roofs or arches. Without them, the walls might spread apart or buckle under the weight. This was especially important for large stone buildings like cathedrals. These buildings had very tall walls and heavy stone roofs. Buttresses helped transfer the weight and pressure from the roof down to the ground.

Where Can You See Buttresses?

You can find buttresses on many historic buildings around the world. They are a common feature of Gothic architecture, which was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages. Many grand cathedrals, like Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, use a special type called a "flying buttress." This type looks like an arch that leaps from the wall to a separate support pier. You can also see them on castles, old city walls, and even some modern structures like dams.

Images for kids

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  Vicolo di Formia (1956) Oil painting by Antonio Sicurezza of an alleyway with flying buttresses between buildings

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  Angled buttress

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  Clasping or clamped buttress

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  Diagonal or 'french' buttress

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  Setback buttress

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  A buttress and a flying buttress, mostly concealed, supporting walls at the Palace of Westminster

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  Buttress at Our Saviour's Chapel, Żejtun, Malta

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  Façade buttresses at Milan Cathedral, Italy

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  Buttresses on the 700ft tall Daniel-Johnson Dam, Quebec

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  Thick buttresses characterize Earthquake Baroque architecture like Paoay Church, Philippines

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  Buttresses of the western side of the Mosque of Uqba in Kairouan, Tunisia

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  Buttresses to support the wall of this row house were constructed after its neighboring house was taken down as part of the Centralia mine fire.

See also

In Spanish: Contrafuerte para niños