​Cupolas have been an integral part of church design for centuries. Whether they are providing space for lanterns or bells, adding ventilation, or are strictly ornamental, these cupolas are a traditional hallmark of churches around the globe, particularly in America. When Americans picture a church, they generally imagine a tall white steeple rising from a graceful cupola. In Orthodox churches - particularly Russian Orthodox - the number of cupolas used on a church are symbolic: one cupola represents Christ, three symbolize the trinity, and some churches even have 13 cupolas, representing Christ and the Twelve Apostles.
 
While a tall, narrow steeple - sometimes topped with a cross - is the typical skyline painted by modern American churches, their highest point used to be fixed with a rooster. This tradition began back in the 9th century when Pope Nicholas I decreed every church should display a rooster on its peak to remind Christians of their faith. By the 11th century, rooster weathervanes were common features of church rooflines.

If you are looking to add a cupola to your church, call the cupola experts at Valley Forge Cupolas. We can create a custom design that perfectly matches the needs of your church, no matter the size or shape of your roofline. We install cupolas of all sizes, as shown by our most recent project, installing a 78” wide custom cupola at a shopping center. These extra large cupolas arrive in three sections - base, midsection, and cap - which are then lifted onto the roof by a crane. Our craftsmen can generally complete the assembly and installation in two days, with minimal disruption to your schedule.
 
All of our cupolas are built by our Pennsylvania craftsmen, using only the highest-quality materials. We use Azek vinyl, which can withstand the tests of time and nature without losing its fine aesthetic. This low-maintenance material never needs to be stained or sanded, and resists mold, mildew, stains and scratches. And you never have to worry about damage from termites or rot!
 
Our cupola roofs are built from beautiful, durable copper. Resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, copper can last for decades - if not longer! Copper also offers the unique ability to be easily shaped while remaining quite resilient and resistant to damage.

​At Valley Forge Cupolas, we are committed to providing you with the best service and products. We work with you every step of the way to ensure you receive the perfect cupola. Call us today at 866-400-1776 to learn more about our custom church cupolas.

A weathervane is made up of the post, compass points, globes, and the figure. Only the figure moves, rotating on a vertical axis. Proper balance is crucial to a weathervane’s function: the figure must be weighted the same on both sides of the axis, but one side has more surface area than the other. The larger area creates more wind resistance, turning the figure so that the narrower end points into the wind.
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This is because wind direction is determined by the direction from which it is traveling. For example, if the wind is coming from the west, you would feel the wind in your face if you were to face west. Therefore, wherever the narrow end of the figure points tells you the direction of the wind.

If you are looking to add character and beauty to your home, our exquisite Western Red Cedar cupolas are sure to delight! Adding a rustic feel to any roofline, cedar cupolas are perfect for rural homes, barns, garages, sheds, and gazebos. Here are some of our favorite designs to inspire you!

​This gorgeous, eight-sided cedar cupola is designed to grace your gazebo like a crown. Its beautiful cedar shake roof and eyelid arches add layers of detail to delight the eye. The louvers help hot air escape during the summer and keep air flowing so that your gazebo is always refreshing and never stuffy.

Featuring a straight, black aluminum roof and an eyelid arch over the four-pane windows, this cupola’s rugged looks are perfect for a cabin or mountain home. Also available with a copper roof and/or a flared base, this cupola can be paired with any architectural design.

Board and batten designs have been enjoying renewed popularity in recent years because they add visual interest to both the exterior and interior of homes. Originating as a form of siding, the term “batten” refers to the strip of molding that is placed across the joint between boards. The result is strong vertical lines balanced by a sense of texture across the horizontal.
 
Made by Pennsylvania craftsmen, our board and batten cedar cupolas impart a rustic, homemade quality to your home. Whether you choose windows or louvers, this cupola is sure to become a favorite feature of your home.

The elegant, concave copper roof of this cupola beautifully offsets the rich red of the cedar. Even as it develops a patina, the copper will continue to provide a stunning contrast with the wood. The eyelid arch over the louvers adds a softness to the design without disrupting its beautiful lines.

This petite cedar cupola packs a lot of character into its small frame. Perfect for garages and sheds, this cupola features a flared base and either an aluminum or copper roof. The pillar-like molding is reminiscent of court buildings, adding a distinguished air to the design.

​This unique cedar cupola comes from our Royal Crowne Custom line. It features an elongated copper roof to complement the heightened body of the cupola and a beautiful paneled base. This cupola is perfect for large homes and barns, allowing for plentiful sunlight.

​At Valley Forge Cupolas, we love to help customers banish boring rooflines. Our cupola specialists can help you design a custom cupola that meets your exact needs and tastes and will add beauty to your home for years to come. Call the experts at Valley Forge Cupolas, 866-400-1776, and discover your dream cupola today!