triglyph

architecture

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July 14, 2026

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A triglyph is an architectural element found in the Doric frieze. It is a slightly projecting rectangular tablet characterized by two vertical channels, known as glyphs, and two corresponding chamfers or half channels on its vertical sides. The term "triglyph" originates from Greek, meaning "three channels".1

These tablets are part of a decorative band in classical architecture. The space between triglyphs is called an intertriglyph, which is also known as a metope. An architectural style decorated with triglyphs is described as triglyphed.23

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It is composed of projecting triglyphs (units each consisting of three vertical bands separated by grooves) that alternate with receding square panels, called metopes, that may be either plain or carved with sculptured reliefs. The Roman forms of the Doric order have smaller proportions and appear lighter and more graceful…
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It is composed of projecting triglyphs (units each consisting of three vertical bands separated by grooves) that alternate with receding square panels, called metopes, that may be either plain or carved with sculptured reliefs. The Roman forms of the Doric order have smaller proportions and appear lighter and more graceful…
Read More