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In architecture, a cupola /ˈkjuːpələ/ is a relatively small, most often dome-like, tall structure on top of a building.^[1] Often used to provide a lookout or to admit light and air, it usually crowns a larger roof or dome.^[2][3]

The word derives, via Italian, from the lower Latin cupula (classical Latin cupella from the Greek κύπελλον kupellon) "small cup" (Latin cupa) indicating a vault resembling an upside down cup.^[4]

The cupola is a development during the Renaissance of the oculus, an ancient device found in Roman architecture, but being weatherproof was superior for the wetter climates of northern Europe.^{[citation needed]} The chhatri, seen in Indian architecture, fits the definition of a cupola when it is used atop a larger structure.^{[citation needed]}

Cupolas often appear as small buildings in their own right. They often serve as a belfry, belvedere, or roof lantern above a main roof. In other cases they may crown a spire, tower, or turret.^[3] Barns often have cupolas for ventilation.^[5]

The square, dome-like segment of a North American railroad train caboose that contains the second-level or "angel" seats is also called a cupola.^[6][7]

Some armored fighting vehicles have cupolas, called commander's cupola, which is a raised dome or cylinder with armored glass to provide 360-degree vision around the vehicle.^[8]

Gallery

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  White marble cupolas cap minarets at the Tomb of Jahangir in Lahore, Pakistan
  

  
  

  
  


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  Cupolas on the towers of Montefiascone Cathedral, Italy.
  

  
  

  
  


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  Interior of cupola ceiling in the old Synagogue of Győr, Hungary.
  

  
  

  
  


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  Ribbed cupola crowns the minaret of the Mosque of Uqba, in Kairouan, Tunisia.
  

  
  

  
  


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  Inside of Armenian Orthodox church cupola in Lviv, Ukraine.
  

  
  

  
  


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  Cupolas were also used on some old barns for ventilation.
  

  
  

  
  


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  A cupola-style caboose with an "angel seat" above
  

  
  

  
  


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  View from the interior of Cupola module on the International Space Station.
  

  
  

  
  


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  Optical illusion of a cupola in a church in Northern Italy (Brivio)
  

  
  

  
  

See also

• Daylighting

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cupolas.