rotondes

A rotonde, or rotonde in plural rotondes, is a circular or polygonal building or room that is typically covered by a domed roof. The term is used in several European languages and describes a distinct architectural type that emphasizes a central, open interior space surrounded by a continuous wall or colonnade. In English, the term rotunda is more common, but rotonde is encountered in historical and regional usage.

Architectural features of rotondes often include a circular or oval ground plan, a drum or supporting base for the dome, and a domed or vaulted roof. Interiors commonly present a central focal space with light coming from a dome aperture, clerestory windows, or an oculus. The surrounding walls may contain niches, arcades, or radiating entrances, creating a sense of unity and emphasis on the central space. Exterior appearances range from minimalist classical spheres to richly ornamented domed pavilions, reflecting various architectural styles.

Historically, rotundas have roots in antiquity, with the Pantheon in Rome serving as a defining prototype. In later periods, the form was revived and adapted in Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, and 19th-century architecture. They have been used for religious buildings, mausoleums, commemorative monuments, civic pavilions, and public or institutional interiors, including libraries and university buildings. In modern contexts, the rotonde or rotunda continues as a symbolic and functional space in museums, government complexes, and cultural centers, often chosen for its capacity to accommodate large, open interiors and dramatic lighting.

Notable examples include the Pantheon in Rome and the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., as well as university rotundas such as Thomas Jefferson’s Rotunda at the University of Virginia.