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(noun)

A semicircular projection from a building, especially the rounded east end of a church that contains the altar.

Related Terms

(noun)

A semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault, also known as an exedra.

Related Terms

Examples of apse in the following topics:

  • Ottonian Architecture in the Early European Middle Ages

    • Barring a few examples that were influenced by the octagonal Palatine Chapel built by Charlemagne in Aachen, Ottonian religious architecture tends to diverge from the model of the central-plan church, drawing inspiration instead from the Roman (Western) basilica, which typically consisted of a long central nave with an aisle at each side and an apse at one end.
    • The Ottonians adopted the Carolingian double-ended variation on the Roman basilica, featuring apses at the east and west ends of the church rather than merely facing east.
    • Michael's had two apses (visible at the right and left ends of this photograph) and two transepts that divided each apse from the central nave area.
    • This plan shows the apse at both the west and east ends of the church, with a single transept dividing the nave from the east apse.
    • The round arches at the east end of the divide the nave from the crossing and the crossing from the apse.

  • Architecture of the Early Christian Church

    • Therefore, Christians began using the model of the basilica, which had a central nave with one aisle at each side and an apse at one end.
    • Whereas the original Roman basilica was rectangular with at least one apse, usually facing North, Christian builders made several symbolic modifications.
    • Between the nave and the apse, they added a transept, which ran perpendicular to the nave.
    • The apse, which held the altar and the Eucharist,  now faced East, in the direction of the rising sun.
    • However, the apse of Old St.

  • Architecture under the Merovingians

    • A feature of the basilica of Saint-Martin that became a hallmark of Frankish church architecture was the sarcophagus or reliquary of the saint raised to be visible and sited axially behind the altar, sometimes in the apse.
    • Apparently missing, however, is the apse.
    • Jean at Poitiers is very different from the Baptistery at Saint-Leonce of Fréjus, as it has the form of a rectangle flanked by three apses.
    • Jean at Poitiers (sixth century) has the form of a rectangle flanked by three apses.

  • Romanesque Painting and Stained Glass

    • At its focal point in the semi-dome of the apse, it commonly presented either Christ in Majesty or Christ the Redeemer enthroned within a mandorla and framed by the four winged beasts, symbols of the Four Evangelists.
    • If the Virgin Mary was the dedicatee (Patron Saint) of the church, she might replace Christ in the apse.
    • On the apse walls below would be saints and apostles, perhaps including narrative scenes.
    • Master of Pedret, The Virgin and Child in Majesty and the Adoration of the Magi, apse fresco, Spain, c. 1100, now The Cloisters.

  • Ravenna

    • The church has an octagonal plan and combines Roman elements (the dome, shape of doorways, and stepped towers) with Byzantine elements (polygonal apse, capitals, and narrow bricks).
    • The apse is flanked by two chapels, the prothesis and the diaconicon, typical for Byzantine architecture.
    • The halo around his head gives him the same aspect as Christ in the dome of the apse.

  • Norman Architecture

    • They elaborated on the Early Christian basilica plan by making it longitudinal with side aisles, an apse, and a western facade with two towers.
    • The eastern apse of the church was built by Hector Sohier between 1518 and 1545.
    • The interior choir and the exterior apse display an architecture that embodies the transition from Gothic to Renaissance.

  • Architecture under Constantine

    • The southern end of the basilica was flanked by a porch, with an apse at the northern end.
    • The apse of the basilica Nova was the location of the Colossus of Constantine.
    • The Aula Palatina has a simplified Roman basilican plan, consisting of a wide nave that ends in a north-facing apse.
    • Although round arches repeat throughout the interior and exterior, the building deviates from the traditional basilica with the flat ceiling that covers the nave and the flat roof that tops the apse.

  • First Romanesque Architecture

    • For example, Abott Oliba ordered an extension to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll in 1032 mirroring the First Romanesque characteristics of two frontal towers, a cruise with seven apses, and Lombard ornamentation of blind arches and vertical strips.

  • Architecture and Mosaics in the Middle Byzantine Empire

    • The mosaic is located in the apse over the main alter and depicts the Theotokos, or the Mother of God.
    • The figures in the scenes, such as those seen in the apse mosaic of Christ washing the feet of his disciples, are depicted with naturalistic faces that are modeled and with long, narrow noses and small mouths.
    • The main apse is flanked by two smaller chapels.

  • Norman Painting

    • A classic scheme for the full painted decoration of a church had, as its focal point in the semi-dome of the apse, Christ in Majesty or Christ the Redeemer enthroned within a mandorla and framed by the four winged beasts (symbols of the Four Evangelists).
    • On the apse walls below would be saints and apostles, perhaps including narrative scenes.