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Apse it's a concept architectural which can be mentioned in feminine (the apse) or in masculine (the apse). The notion allows to name the semicircular and domed sector of a temple that enables the installation of the presbytery and from altar.

The apse, with a polygonal or semicircular plan, is located at the head of the church. Its origins date back to Roman empire: It is the temples of the time, figures of the deities were placed in niches that functioned as apses. Later, in the basilicas, the space with seats, where the magistrate's chair was installed in front of the altar, began to be called an apse.

Over the years, most churches began to give prominence to the apse, integrating it into the presbytery (a space outstanding that can be destined to the choir) and to the altar (the structure where the cult is carried out, being the scene of the offerings and other rites).

Although there are multiple apse formats, it is usually located in the Headboard of the main nave and protrudes from the structure, with a domed cover. The main apse may be connected to another annexed structure, with similar but smaller characteristics, which is called apsidiole.

There are various apses which, due to their features, they became well known. The Apse of Miracles, for example, it is the only structure that remains standing in a temple of the thirteenth century which is in Talamanca de Jarama (Spain). The Cathedral of the Savior of Zaragoza, named The Seo, for its part, has several apses of architectural and historical relevance.

In the same way, we cannot overlook the spectacular apse that San Clemente de Tahull has, in the Boí valley. It has managed to become a milestone in the history of art because it has some amazing Romanesque paintings, which have come to be considered a true jewel of Romanesque throughout the European continent. Specifically, they come to represent different biblical scenes.

And to these historical buildings we could highlight many others in which the apses are a reference:
-The Parish Church of San Julián and Santa Basilia, from the Palencia municipality of Villaconancio. Today it preserves part of its initial structure, the fact that it was erected in the 12th century is relevant. Specifically, it retains its double apse, which has a marked Romanesque style.
-The Parish Church or Collegiate Church of San Salvador in the town of San Salvador de Cantamuda (Palencia). It was set up in the 12th century, by the impulse and determination of the Countess of Castilla, Doña María Elvira. It stands out because it has three apses: the central one, where both prismatic pilasters and thin geminate columns take on relevance; the south, which has two windows, and the north, which has a single window.
-The Church of San Miguel, located in the town of Olmedo (Valladolid). Of this temple, which seems to have its origin in the 12th century, its apse stands out due to the fact that it is an authentic jewel of the Mudejar Romanesque style.