Triptych Architecture

JohnB

Senior Member
Merriam Webster definition of Triptych: “a picture (such as an altarpiece) or carving in three panels side by side: something composed or presented in three parts or sections; especially : trilogy”
The term Triptych Architecture is referring to the many ancient architecture all over the world that have an unmistakable three-door pattern. They exist in almost every ancient culture in the world. The pyramid-cultures all built "Triptych" three-door temples, with the door in the middle wider and taller than the two flanking it.

Here is an example,

cairo mosque.jpg

Mosque in Cairo


It is also present in many of the great cathedrals of Europe:

cathedral.jpg


And even in Da Vinci’s The Last Supper:

davincis last supper.jpg


Ancient architecture, Chichen Itza, Mexico

chichen-itza-tour01.jpg


And new architecture, Rockefeller Center, New York City:

Rockefeller-Center-New-York-City-Lee-Lawrie-Wisdom.jpg

Why do these exist? It is believed that they are a symbol of an ancient universal religion and it has survived into modern times with links to the Freemasons and their secret society. The two doors on the right and left are believed to refer to the balance that exists in nature, male and female; ying and yang; sun and moon, life and death, etc. The middle door is believed to be the symbolic entrance to our inner selves, the third eye that we all have; the gate that leads to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness.
Regardless of the reason for their existence, we can see these symbols in architecture everywhere around us. I love old buildings and churches, so I thought we could post examples of these 3 door patterns that we can see everywhere.
I will start with posting some examples that I found just driving a short distance from my home, you would be amazed how many of these exist once you start looking. I am hoping others will contribute over time here as I believe that examples of this can be found all over the world.
 

JohnB

Senior Member
You are welcome :) I find it interesting that once I started looking for them how many of these examples I found just close to my home.
 

JohnB

Senior Member
DSC_3263_1.jpg

Holy Trinity Polish National Catholic Church, Hamilton

DSC_3267.jpg

Notre Dame du Perpetuel Secours, Hamilton, Ontario, circa 1962​
 
Top