Cupola - Definition and Overview

For other uses, see cupola (disambiguation)

Cupola of St Peter's Basilica, Rome

In architecture, a cupola consists of a dome-shaped ornamental structure located on top of a larger roof or dome, often used as a lookout or to admit light and remove stale air. The word comes from the Italian, and expresses the idea of a "small tub".

In some cases, the entire main roof of a tower or spire can form a single cupola. More frequently, however, the cupola comprises a smaller structure which sits on top of the main roof. If one can reach the cupola by climbing a stairway inside the building, one can refer to this type of accessible cupola as a belvedere or as a widow's walk. Some cupolas, called lanterns, have small windows which illuminate the areas below.

Cupola of St Peter's Basilica, Rome from within

External links

• Cupolas in Architecture (http://www.cupola.com/)