HEMICYCLE (Gr. iift-,

See also:

• HALF

half, and avahos, circle)  , a semi-circular recess of considerable size which formed one of the most conspicuous features in the Roman Thermae, where it was always covered with a hemispherical vault . A small example exists in Pompeii, in the street of tombs, with a seat round inside, where those who came to pay their respects to the departed could rest . An immense hemicycle was designed by Bramante for the Vatican, where it constitutes a fine architectural effect at the end of the great court .