Cupola
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In architecture, a cupola /ˈkjuːpələ/ is a small, most often dome-like, 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, which 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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Cupolas on the towers of Montefiascone Cathedral, Italy.
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Ribbed cupola crowns the minaret of the Mosque of Uqba, in Kairouan, Tunisia.
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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
See also
References
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- ↑ In Italian cupola simply means dome, and the ornamental top element is called lanterna.
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