Abstract

The article deals with form of the oratory niches in Coptic hermitages in Egypt. Archaeological evidence comes from monastic settlements in Kellia, which underwent a substantial evolution in the Sixth and Seventh century AD. In her interpretation of the form of oratory niches author attempts to trace the symbolic meaning of these niches back to their unequivocally architectural character. It should be stressed, that the article is not aimed et defying earlier interpretations, but rather at demonstrating that the very external, visual layout of the niche carried a vital message to the faithful.