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View of the interior of the largest and best-designed columbarium at Marisa. It is in a double cruciform shape. The first two "arms" of one of the cruciform sections are visible by the sign in the foreground, and opposite it on the left.
Many of the 2,000 pigeon/dove niches are visible. Note the high smooth walls. These evidently helped prevent predators from attacking the nesting birds. Doves were used for sacrifices and for food. Their dung could be used for fuel.
In the second century, this columbarium was turned into a market place! There are about 85 columbaria at Marisa. The total number of niches at Marisa is estimated to be 50 to 60,000.
