In ancient Roman religion, an aedicula is a small shrine, and in classical architecture refers to a niche covered by a pediment or entablature supported by a pair of columns and typically framing a statue, the early Christian ones sometimes contained funeral urns. Aediculae are also represented in art as a form of ornamentation.
Classical aedicula shrine from Lilybaeum, with sign of Baal Hammon, signs of Tanit and caduceus
Aediculae in the Pantheon, Rome
Aedicula containing a painted Athena and Agathodaemon
1st century BC interior aedicula from the Temple of Apollo Sosianus, Rome
In architecture, a niche is a recess or cavity constructed in the thickness of a wall for the reception of decorative objects such as statues, busts, urns, and vases. In Classical architecture examples are an exedra or an apse that has been reduced in size, retaining the half-dome heading usual for an apse. In the first century B.C, there was no exact mention of niches, but rather a zotheca or small room. These rooms closely resemble alcoves similar to a niche but slightly larger. Different sizes and sculpture methods suggest the term niche was understood. Greeks and Romans especially, used niches for important family tombs.
Niche with a sculpture by Antoine Coysevox, in the Les Invalides, Paris
Mihrab from the Mosque of Cordoba (niche shows the direction of prayer)
Porta Maggiore niches appear between arches.
Niches containing statues on exterior of Church of Orsanmichele, Florence, c. 1380–1404