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Apse

Semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome

Semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome

Note

the architectural feature

Typical floor plan of a cathedral, with the apse shaded

In architecture, an apse (: apses; from Latin absis, 'arch, vault'; from Ancient Greek ἀψίς, grc, 'arch'; sometimes written apsis; : apsides) is a semicircular recess covered with a hemispherical vault or semi-dome, also known as an exedra. In Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Christian church (including cathedral and abbey) architecture, the term is applied to a semi-circular or polygonal termination of the main building at the liturgical east end (where the altar is), regardless of the shape of the roof, which may be flat, sloping, domed, or hemispherical. Smaller apses are found elsewhere, especially in shrines.

Definition

An apse is a semicircular recess, often covered with a hemispherical vault. Commonly, the apse of a church, cathedral or basilica is the semicircular or polygonal termination to the choir or sanctuary, or sometimes at the end of an aisle.

Smaller apses are sometimes built in other parts of the church, especially for reliquaries or shrines of saints.

History

The domed apse became a standard part of the church plan in the early Christian era.

References

  • Joseph Nechvatal, "Immersive Excess in the Apse of Lascaux", Technonoetic Arts 3, no. 3, 2005.

References

  1. "Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Floor Plan".
  2. "Apse". Encyclopædia Britannica.
  3. "Where in the New Testament are Priests Mentioned".
  4. Moss, Henry, ''The Birth of the Middle Ages 395-814'', Clarendon Press, 1935
  5. [https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/109871/chevet "Chevet"], ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]''
Info: Wikipedia Source

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