The flying buttress was a key architectural element of Renaissance building design, used primarily to support the weight of large ceilings and walls. In contrast to earlier buttresses, which stood on the ground and leaned against the wall, Renaissance architects used flying buttresses that extended horizontally from the top of the wall and supported the ceiling or roof with an arch or series of arches. This allowed for taller and more elaborate structures to be built without the need for massive walls or columns that would have obstructed light and views. The use of the flying buttress also allowed for more decorative and ornate exteriors, as the structural support was hidden behind the arches and sculptures. Examples of Renaissance buildings with flying buttresses include the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See in Seville, Spain, and the Notre-Dame de Paris in France.
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