Spire facts for kids
A spire is a tapering conical or pyramidal structure on the top of a building, particularly a church tower. Etymologically, the word comes from the Old English word spir, meaning a sprout, shoot, or stalk of grass.
Symbolically, spires have two effects. One is to show strength and power. A spire, with its spear point, gives the impression of strength. The other is to reach up toward the skies as a religious gesture. This is one reason for its association with religious buildings, and a similar reason has been given for the large pyramids in Egypt and early American civilisations. However, the tallest spires today are secular places of business or hotels, such as The Shard.
As an architectural ornament, spires are most often found on Christian churches.
Images for kids
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Spire of the Torentje van Drienerlo, the Netherlands
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Gothic spires. The 108-metre tall spires of Clermont-Ferrand Cathedral tower above the city with the same name
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The Gothic spire of Antwerp Cathedral
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The spire of Salisbury Cathedral, 123 metres tall
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The spires on St Peters Cathedral Adelaide
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