The Dome is basically a roof or ceiling in hemispherical structure. Even the igloos made up of snow are generally in the form of a dome. Dome structures are found from early Mesopotamia and they gained fame in Byzantine and medieval Islamic architecture. Dome structures still exist in the modern world in the form of religious buildings and other functional structures. Domes are basically associated with heavens in the Hellenistic-Roman world and in Ancient Persia as well. The use of domes in mausoleums reflects the royal patronage or honor and prestige which domes actually symbolizes. You too can enjoy the enticing dome shaped structures of the world with us. In Persian history too domes were an important part of vernacular architecture, Further, there are many magnificent domical structures in the world which are famous and gained popularity because of their amazing architecture.
1. Lotfollah Mosque
It is the masterpiece of Safavid Iranian architecture and it is located in Isfahan in Iran. It is built in early 16th century and as this mosque was not for the public it is only a private mosque of the royal court and that’s the reason it is of smaller size. This is one of the most beautiful domical structures.
2. Santa Maria del Fiore
It is one of the most beautiful and is considered as a famous symbol of the city. It is one of the largest and magnificent church in Florence in Italy and until the modern era its dome is the largest in the world but it is still counted in the largest brick dome ever constructed. However the construction work of this cathedral was started in 1296 and completed in 1436 in gothic type of architecture.
3. Taj Mahal
This man made wonder is constructed in between 1632-1653 on the order of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his most favorite wife. This mausoleum is located in Agra and is made up of white marble. The most amazing feature is the spectacular dome which is placed on a cylindrical drum and the top of the dome is decorated with a beautiful lotus design and this immense dome shaped structure is one the 7 wonders of the world.
4. Saint Basil’s Cathedral
This church is located in Moscow and it is one of the most colorful structures. It is built somewhere in between 1534 and 1561.It is made in a shape of a rising flame of a bonfire. The church has 9 onion shaped dome and that is the reason the Byzantine tradition is found in this cathedral.
5. Hagia Sophia
It is in Istanbul and originally it was a cathedral of Constantinople, but when Ottomans conquered the city the cathedral was converted into a mosque in 15th century but it is a museum currently. It has a massive dome with 102 feet in diameter.
6. Dome of the Rock
It is shrine which is located on the Temple Mount in Old city of Jerusalem and it is considered as one of the oldest works of Islamic architecture. This dome is one of the famous landmarks and is topped with a dazzling golden dome which is visible from far too. The interior of the shrine is layered with mosaics and calligraphy in Arabic.
7. Pantheon
The Pantheon is located in Rome and was built in 126 AD. It is originally built as a temple for Roman gods but later served as a Roman Catholic Church from 7th century. However the temple is topped with a dome with the oculus. This dome is still the largest concrete dome in the world.]]>