Apse

Illustrated Architecture Dictionary

Apse
APS

The circular or multangular termination of a church sanctuary, first applied to a Roman basilica.

Latin: "apse" - an arch

Early Christian churches used Classical Roman basilicas, which usually had apses, as models for design

Traditionally, the apse (where the altar is located) is at the east end of a church

The apse is a Continental feature, and contrasts with the square termination of English Gothic churches

Found in derivatives of Classical Greek and Roman architecture, including Beaux Arts Classicism, , ..... Classical Revival, , ..... Federal, Georgian Revival, , ..... Greek Revival, , ..... Neoclassicism, , ..... Renaissance Revival, , ..... Second Empire; also, on Gothic and, ..... Gothic Revival

See also: Vocabulary - Churches

Examples from Buffalo architecture:

Illustration above: St. John the Baptist RC Church

St. Louis Church

Blessed Trinity RC Church

St. Francis RC Church

St. Casimir's RC Church

St. Frances de Sales RC Church

Corpus Christi RC Church

Other Examples:

Cemetery, Olympia, Greece

Circular Congregational Church in Charleston, South Carolina