These include the flying buttresses, pinnacles and traceried windows which typify Gothic ecclesiastical architecture. The entrance portico is supported by five pointed arches with buttresses between. A buttress was added and a rectangular tower with two buttresses on its corners. They were the first buildings to systematically combine rib vaulting, buttresses, and pointed arches. It features extensive Romanesque designs, including pilaster buttresses and arcading. It has broad angle buttresses and Y tracery to the windows. These arches are supported by a pair of flying buttresses. Each apse had two large radial buttresses, which squared off its semi-circular shape. Cracks also appeared in the flying buttresses surrounding the apse. There is little exterior ornamentation on Conques except necessary buttresses and cornices. Typically these were four sided designs with the corners reinforced by pilaster buttresses. Noailles also strengthened the buttresses, galleries, terraces, and vaults. A system of massive parallel buttresses shows that the building was originally vaulted. The complex walls are tall and are held up by stone buttresses. Between the narrow buttresses, the walls could be opened up into large windows.