Architectural Vaulting at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine: Ribbed, Not Barrel

No Barrel Vaulting Present

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City does not have barrel vaulting.

Distinctive Feature: Ribbed Vaulting at the Crossing

The crossing under the central tower features four ribs springing from slender grouped shafts that continue down the four piers. These ribs form pointed arches meeting in a complex web of ribbed vaulting—a hallmark of Gothic architecture.

This intricate ribbed structure is one of the cathedral's most celebrated architectural elements.