Cupolas

A cupola is a square, rectangular, octagonal or round dome-shaped ornamental structure placed on the top of a roof.

If the cupola can be reached by climbing a stairway inside the building, it is referred to as a belvedere or widow’s walk. In local folklore, they are regarded as Indian lookouts, but they may have also been created simply to offer a scenic view and or ventilation. Some cupolas, called lanterns, have small windows which illuminate the areas below.

The term cupola comes from the lower Latin ’cupula’ or small cup indicating a vault resembling an upside down cup. Today, cupolas are added to homes for decorative purposes.