Mykhonitas

Mykhonitas is a term used in the context of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art and architecture to describe a type of architectural element found in churches and monasteries. The term is derived from the Greek word "mykhon," which means "monk." Mykhonitas are typically small, rectangular or square niches or recesses that are carved into the walls of a church or monastery. They are often used to house religious icons, relics, or other sacred objects. The niches are usually decorated with intricate carvings and are often placed in a prominent position within the building. Mykhonitas are a common feature in the architecture of Byzantine churches, particularly those built during the period of the Komnenian Renaissance in the 11th and 12th centuries. They are also found in post-Byzantine churches and monasteries, particularly in the Balkans and the Middle East. The exact purpose of mykhonitas is not entirely clear, but they are believed to have served as a way to display the wealth and power of the church or monastery, as well as to provide a place for the faithful to venerate religious icons and relics.