facades

The west facade, facing outward to the street, features attached Corinthian columns grouped in pairs, between each of which are three semi-circular arched niches over pediments on consoles. The facade is surmounted by a parapet with blind balusters.

The east facade, which faces Abbey Churchyard, features a central block with four engaged Corinthian columns, entablatures and a pediment.

The half-finished west facade was abandoned in 1534 and not completed until Nicholas Hawksmoor added the west gable in 1735 and the twin west towers in 1734-45.

The west front is quite unusual in appearance, due mainly to the loss of its northwest transept but also to the octagonal belfry with surrounding turrets on the west tower. The lopsided effect is loved and hated in equal measures by critics.

The apse facade, plain and imposing, dates from the 16th and 17th centuries. It faces west, a unique feature of Early Christian basilicas in Rome.

The entrance facade, facing east, consists of a portico with five rectangular openings surmounted by a three-arch loggia. Designed by Ferdinando Fuga in 1743, this Baroque facade partially conceals the 12th-century facade with its 13th-century mosaics.

Unusually for an English cathedral, the west front of Gloucester Cathedral is of relatively little interest. It dates from the aborted renovations of Abbot Morwent in the 1420s.

The west front is one of Notre Dame Cathedral's most notable features, with symmetrical twin towers, galleries of statues, a lovely rose window, and three richly-carved portals.

The grand facade of St. Peter's Basilica, which faces east, is 116 m wide and 53 m high. Built from 1608 to 1614, it was designed by Carlo Modeno. The relief under the balcony, by Buonvicino, represents Christ giving the keys to St.

The famously beautiful west front of Amiens Cathedral is composed of three portals under deep porches, two galleries, a large rose window, and twin towers connected by a third gallery.