A semicircular and usually vaulted projection from a rectangular structure Origins of the word are classical, but it is most commonly used to describe an element of a Gothic church A recess, usually singular and semi-circular, at the east end of a Christian church
A semicircular projection, roofed with a half-dome, at the east end of a church behind the altar Smaller subsidiary apses may be found around the choir or transepts Also known as an exedra The adjective is apsidal
An apse is a position in an orbit that is at an extreme distance (either a minimum or a maximum) to the central object The minimal distance is attained in the periapse and the maximal distance in the apoapse When referred to particular celestial bodies, the "apse" part may be replaced by the (greek) name of the body For instance, the position in an orbit that is closest to the Earth is called the perigee
A vaulted extension or projection, usually from a choir or chapel and generally circular or polygonal in shape; Rounded and usually of a chancel or chapel
1 A curved recess, often semi-circular, projecting from a building 2 A vaulted semicircular or polygonal termination, usually to a chancel or chapel 3 The eastern end of a basilica, usually semicircular in shape and arranged to accommodate the seats of ritual participants (usually, clergy) behind the altar 4 In traditional Christian church construction, an apse is the vaulted end portion of a nave, transept or aisle, usually the circular or angular typically east end of a church
(from Greek, apsis) The rounded end of a church, especially in Greek Oorthodoxy: it is derived from the Constaninian basilicas which incorporated the pagan apsis where judges and legal advisors sat
A 180 degree, semicircular extension space, which traditionally projects from the eastern end of Christian churches, or from that end which contains the altar and faces the nave The space is usually covered by a 180 degree half-dome and the space provides passage behind the altarpiece Some Apses may take polygonal form on their exteriors while remaining semicircular inside This plan was typical of Byzantine churches Through time, Apses have been added freely to church ground plans of the Western Tradition, appearing on the transepts and/or flanking the primary apse in a form known as tri-apsidal In the Roman Basilica or judgment hall, the judge or official would sit in the apse
Semi-circular or polygonal recess at the end of a building, either projecting from it or subsituting one of the walls In churches it is normally part of the sanctuary In Rome they are traditionally richly decorated with mosaics or paintings In Eastern churches, it is common with a triple apse, and this feature has been preserved in some Roman churches built or designed by Greeks
the curved inside end of a building, especially the east end of a church (apsis). Semicircular or polygonal termination to the choir, chancel (see cathedral), or aisle of a public building, first used in pre-Christian Roman architecture. Originally a large niche to hold the statue of a deity in a temple, the apse also appeared in ancient baths and basilicas. The domed apse became a standard part of the Christian church plan