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Article: From Barns to Churches, Cupolas Add Interest to the Skyline
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- August 19, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Looking for a way to elevate the design of your house? One time-
honored way is to top it with a cupola.
A cupola is generally defined as a dome-shaped ornamental
structure that sits on top of a larger building. If it can be
reached by a stairway inside, it's sometimes called a belvedere or a
widow's walk. Some cupolas, called lanterns, have small windows that
illuminate the areas below, sort of like vertical skylights.
Cupolas are found on a wide range of buildings, from simple barns
to the grandest of churches. They're frequently topped with weather
vanes and finials.
Like many architectural features, cupolas meet aesthetic and
functional needs.
"A cupola serves two purposes -- ...