A guide to the vocabulary of classical architecture: https://t.co/UDnSwyInAk

The parts of a column: https://t.co/vYQx3oUhJU

The entablature is what rests on top of a column. Here are its different parts: https://t.co/cq110Yo9sh

And here are the Classical Orders An "order" refers to the design, shape, and proportion of a column and its entablature: https://t.co/IwjUZqm4CN

Flutes The decorative notches running along the length of some columns https://t.co/XwMnmCFpKW

Volutes The distinctive swirls of Ionic capitals https://t.co/KLnGlyMGxv

Pediment The triangular gable which rests on the entablature (You also get them above doors and windows) https://t.co/RsohW7vyGS

Tympanum The inside part of the pediment, often decorated with sculptures and paintings https://t.co/aYkGpWVyhf

Portico An porch supported by columns https://t.co/NcckLfH6Aj

Colonnade Any series of columns, whether part of a building or standalone https://t.co/k5sqHlT2bN

Intercolumniation The spacing between columns, defined as a multiple of the columns' diameter. Proportion is vital in classical architecture. Such pycnostyle (1.5 diameters) or diastyle (3 diameters). https://t.co/7N8K822CiM

Crepidoma The platform on which the main structure rests. Each layer is smaller than the one below, thus forming steps. The lower layers are called stereobates. The highest is called the stylobate. https://t.co/emIUDZTPGu

The number of columns in the portico of a classical building has its own name. Tetrastyle (4) e.g. north facade of the White House Hexastyle (6) e.g. Temple of Concord (below) Octastyle (8) e.g. the Parthenon Decastyle (10) e.g. University College London https://t.co/u0yf4GbH1N

Cella: the internal, main area of a temple Pronaos: the entrance part https://t.co/sWDhCcr1l7

Pilaster A purely decorative column which is in "two dimensions" so to speak https://t.co/8KdVJdgKcy

Dentils Those small decorative supports that look like teeth running along the bottom of a cornice https://t.co/JQyvYHA6JN

Superimposed Order When two or more orders are placed above one another in a building https://t.co/ihz30m7t9G

Attic Story An additional element between the entablature and the pediment (if there is one at all) usually used for decorative purposes https://t.co/hWyleF0gW1

Aedicule A small recess with its own columns and pediment. https://t.co/a0D5ZPFdMl

Acroterion Decorative element at the corners or top of a pediment https://t.co/UU3yfEdsNp

Triglyphs are the three-banded clusters along the frieze in a Doric order. And metopes are the empty spaces between, usually used for sculptures and decoration. https://t.co/jbNdJgclSc

That's probably enough for now. This has covered some of the fundamentals of classical (and therefore also of neoclassical) architecture. Look out for these elements in future.

Knowing what things are called is the first step to understanding them better. Indeed, in a very simple way, being able to point out a pediment rather than "that triangular bit" allows you to engage much more deeply with a building. And it brings architecture to life.