For thousands of years cupolas have been gracing the tops of churches, government buildings, and other significant structures around the world. Their elegant dome shape adds beauty to a building while providing light and air circulation. The larger ones even offer spectacular views! Today we’ll look at four of the most famous cupolas throughout the world:
Photo: Jimmy Harris, Flickr Creative Commons
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most holy Catholic sites and is the largest church in the world. Completed in 1590 and named for Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, the church’s dome was designed by none other than Michelangelo. This impressive dome rises 452 feet above the pavement, making it the tallest in the world. A staggering 551 stairs climb through the cathedral to the dome’s entrance; the climb is well worth it, however, as the inside of the dome is beautifully decorated with intricate paintings and sculptures. It also offers a spectacular view of Vatican City to the thousands of tourists that flock there every year.
Photo: Mark Fischer, Flickr Creative Commons
Sacre-Coeur in Paris, France
Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, plans for Sacre-Coeur began in December 1870, with the dome incorporated into the design in 1871. This beautiful basilica was completed in 1914 and is second only to the Eiffel Tower in height, providing views of the entire city of Paris. The dome is accessed from the outside by scaling 300 steps to the top. From there you can also view some of the stunning statuary, such as St. George and the Dragon, pictured above.
Photo: HarshLight, Flickr Creative Commons
Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa, Italy
The Tower of Pisa was constructed in three stages over 199 years. The tower began to sink and tilt only five years after construction began because it had an inadequate foundation and was built on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tower is capped with a stunning cupola that houses seven bells and offers visitors a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
Photo: Kate Brady, Flickr Creative Commons
The Onion Domes of Saint Basil in Moscow, Russia
At the very center of Moscow sits a colorful cluster of cupolas atop Saint Basil’s cathedral. Ivan the Terrible ordered their construction in 1555. There are eight cupolas, each with a unique and bold color combination, which has led to much dispute about which architectural style could have inspired such eccentricity.
Custom Cupolas for Your Home
Your house may not be a cathedral, but you can still add beauty and unique architecture to your home with a custom cupola from Valley Forge Cupola and weathervanes. Whether you prefer window cupolas with bell-shaped caps or louvered cupolas with straight lines and a tall spire, we have the custom cupola that you are sure to love.
Call us today at 866-400-1776 to learn more about our custom cupolas!
Photo: Jimmy Harris, Flickr Creative Commons
St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most holy Catholic sites and is the largest church in the world. Completed in 1590 and named for Saint Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, the church’s dome was designed by none other than Michelangelo. This impressive dome rises 452 feet above the pavement, making it the tallest in the world. A staggering 551 stairs climb through the cathedral to the dome’s entrance; the climb is well worth it, however, as the inside of the dome is beautifully decorated with intricate paintings and sculptures. It also offers a spectacular view of Vatican City to the thousands of tourists that flock there every year.
Photo: Mark Fischer, Flickr Creative Commons
Sacre-Coeur in Paris, France
Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, plans for Sacre-Coeur began in December 1870, with the dome incorporated into the design in 1871. This beautiful basilica was completed in 1914 and is second only to the Eiffel Tower in height, providing views of the entire city of Paris. The dome is accessed from the outside by scaling 300 steps to the top. From there you can also view some of the stunning statuary, such as St. George and the Dragon, pictured above.
Photo: HarshLight, Flickr Creative Commons
Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa, Italy
The Tower of Pisa was constructed in three stages over 199 years. The tower began to sink and tilt only five years after construction began because it had an inadequate foundation and was built on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tower is capped with a stunning cupola that houses seven bells and offers visitors a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
Photo: Kate Brady, Flickr Creative Commons
The Onion Domes of Saint Basil in Moscow, Russia
At the very center of Moscow sits a colorful cluster of cupolas atop Saint Basil’s cathedral. Ivan the Terrible ordered their construction in 1555. There are eight cupolas, each with a unique and bold color combination, which has led to much dispute about which architectural style could have inspired such eccentricity.
Custom Cupolas for Your Home
Your house may not be a cathedral, but you can still add beauty and unique architecture to your home with a custom cupola from Valley Forge Cupola and weathervanes. Whether you prefer window cupolas with bell-shaped caps or louvered cupolas with straight lines and a tall spire, we have the custom cupola that you are sure to love.
Call us today at 866-400-1776 to learn more about our custom cupolas!
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