by Sheree Zielke

Created on: April 28, 2007   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

The history and function of the cupola as an architectural detail is as intriguing as the charming structure itself. Dome? Widow's Walk? Belvedere? Space ship window? What is a cupola? And what purpose does it serve?

The cupola is a dome-like architectural structure that has been added to the tops of buildings and towers for many years, and for a variety of reasons. You've probably seen excellent examples of cupolas topping churches and government buildings across the world from Europe to New England. But you may have referred to the cupolas you saw as domes or lanterns, belvederes or widow's walks. All the terms are correct and all are examples of a cupola.

But let's start with how one properly pronounces the word, cupola. Cupola is pronounced, "kew-puh-luh"; the o' is pronounced like the e' in item. Cupola comes from the Latin word, cupula, derived from another Latin word, "cupa," which means, tub or cup. But while many cupolas do look cup-like, there are other cupola shapes including rectangular and quadrilateral designs.

The cupola is usually built atop a larger roof structure like a dome; cupolas can resemble a small independent building somewhat akin to a tiny Roman temple. Cupolas, featuring an entry staircase, are known as belvederes or widow's walks; perhaps the most famous of these is the cupola atop St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. If the cupola or belvedere has windows all around, then it is termed, a "lantern", not unlike the cupola found atop the world's lighthouses. Low unassuming cupolas are called, "monitors".

Examples of cupolas are documented throughout history. Both the Greeks and the Romans used cupolas in their building details. In 1539, Martin Luther posted his articles of Reformation on the door of a Gothic church, St. Thomas, which prominently features a cupola atop a tall tower. In the United States, the cupola was used on many government buildings like the Massachusetts State House designed by Bostonian architect, Charles Bulfinch, in the late 18th century.

Modern-day cupolas include those erected atop fire stations in heavily wooded parks areas. One example is the 2-storey Pechuck Fire Lookout cupola located in Oregon. Built by John Oblack, in the early part of the 20th century, this cupola with its 360 degree view is highly functional as a lookout for forest fires.

Another type of modern day cupola tends to be more like a backyard gazebo. Instead of being set on top of a roof, these larger cupolas are open structures placed in tourist

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