APSE


Meaning of APSE in English

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.

Apse, basilica of S. Vitale, Ravenna, 526–547

Alinari

Art Resource

Britannica English dictionary.      Английский словарь Британика.