apse
| Semicircular or polygonal end to or extension of a religious or secular building, Roman in origin; it is usually covered with a semidomed or vaulted ceiling. In Early Christian churches it included the presbytery where the clergy sat; apses were common in Romanesque and Gothic times. |
| Besides the apse at the east (or sometimes west) end, others were added, for example at the ends of transepts. |
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|
?Sign in  |
|---|