The term apse belongs to the field of architecture. By him we know the head section of a church, where the altar is usually located, that is, the most important part of the church. The word apse comes from the Greek apsis which means arch or vault, and the name was chosen for this section of the church because normally religious constructions of this type used to have an arch-shaped headboard, although over time such design could vary.
The first religious constructions for Christianity are inspired by classical constructions such as the Greek and Roman ones in which the interior of the temple overlooked a long corridor at the end of which was located a statue of the reigning god in that house. The churches and Christian basilicas of the late Roman Empire and the first stage of the Middle Ages followed this site, which could vary in terms of size but always featured a main section where the altar was located, at the end of the aisle. This section is then known as the apse. The most common form for the apses of Christian churches was that of the semicircle, a typical design of the Romanesque style. However, with the passage of time and the development of other artistic styles of architecture, this format could change towards square, rectangular, polygonal shapes, etc.
Another typical or traditional characteristic of the apse is that it tends to maintain a domed shape, which generates a feeling of greater connection with God and Jesus. The typical semicircular shape of the apse can be seen both from the inside and from the outside since it stands out as part of the construction after the nave (central part or aisle) of the church. Its convex side can be seen from the outside. To the apse apses can sometimes be added, which are small vaulted and semicircular spaces that can be located in contact with the larger apse. These apses can fulfill aesthetic functions as well as be practical and have a specific purpose.
