What is a recess or compartment in a columbarium used for placing cremated remains called?

A recess or compartment in a columbarium designed for placing cremated remains is referred to as a niche. This term specifically describes the individual spaces within a columbarium where urns holding cremated remains are stored. Niches are often designed to hold one or more urns and may be personalized with inscriptions, photographs, or other memorial elements, allowing families to honor their loved ones in a dedicated space.

Other terms like crematorium refer to the facilities where the cremation process takes place, while a vault generally refers to a covered grave or a burial chamber rather than a specific compartment for cremated remains. Similarly, a sepulcher can denote a tomb or burial chamber but does not specifically refer to the niche configuration used in a columbarium. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why "niche" is the accurate term for this particular context.