cupola

A cupola is a small, often dome-like structure that crowns a building or a portion of a roof. The term comes from Italian cupola, which in turn derives from Latin cupula meaning a small cap or dome. Cupolas are usually circular or polygonal in plan and sit on a supporting drum or cornice. They may be freestanding or integrated into the roofline, and they can terminate in a low dome, a lantern, or a small spire.

Functions of a cupola include providing light and ventilation to the space below, serving as a visual focal point, and acting as an observation or belvedere point. In civic and religious architecture, cupolas often contribute to the building’s vertical emphasis and ornamental character. In vernacular architecture, especially on barns, markets, and railway stations, simple wooden cupolas ventilate upper lofts and stores while adding a practical architectural accent.

Construction and design vary widely. Cupolas can be masonry, timber, or metal and range from modest, plain structures to highly decorative forms. Many feature windows or louvers to admit air, and some are glazed on multiple sides for daylight. The lantern form, in particular, is a slender upper structure that rises above the main roof or dome and is often illuminated from within.

Variations in terminology reflect usage differences. In some contexts, cupola is used to describe a small turret or the entire roofed feature on top of a building, rather than a true dome. Cupolas have been common in Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical architecture, and they continue to appear in traditional and contemporary designs.