Apse
|
| A triple-apsed, polygonal termination of a church in Tredos. |
Apses were first used in pre-Christian Roman architecture, often as a niche to contain the statue of a deity. They were also used in the thermae – the large bath complexes of imperial Rome.
From the fourth century onwards in Christian architecture, the basilica (an important church with rectangular plan) would sometimes be terminated at one end (normally the liturgical east end) with an apse – a semi-circular or polygonal recess. Sometimes the apse would be topped by a hemi-spherical or quarter dome that would often be vaulted on the inside. However, the roof might also have been flat or sloping.
The use of the apse would progress in Christian religious architecture as a single or multiple termination for naves, transepts or aisles.
Apses were to become common in Byzantine architecture, as well as in France, Germany and Italy. In a cruciform church or cathedral plan, whether in Western Romanesque or Gothic, apses would later be used to terminate the transepts and nave whether as single or multiple-apsed ends. They could also be used as a chapel or part of the chancel.
In England, apses were sometimes added as semi-circular forms applied to the east end of Romanesque churches. This changed mostly to a polygonal form during the Gothic period.
Apses underwent a revival during the Victorian period with its Greek-, Roman- and Gothic-revival periods.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.