World Famous Domes

09/13/2023

08/30/2023

Dome of the Rock
Initially completed in 691 AD, the Dome of the Rock is one of the first and most familiar achievements of Islamic architecture. Located on the Temple Mount it stands on one of the most contested religious sites in the world. Despite common conceptions, the Dome of the Rock is not a mosque, but a shrine which protects beneath its high ceiling, a sacred rock. The Dome is probably the most spectacular building in the Old City, topped with a dazzling golden dome visible from afar, the interior layered with glittering ceramics, mosaics and Arabic calligraphy.

08/30/2023

Shah Mosque

The Shah Mosque (or Imam Mosque)in Isfahan, Iran is regarded as one of the masterpieces of Persian Architecture. Its construction began in 1611, and its splendor is mainly due to the beauty of its seven color mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions. The Safavids dynasty initiated a renaissance in Persian dome building and the dome of the Shah Mosque would become the tallest in Isfahan reaching a height of 53 meters (74 ft). The distinct feature of this and other Persian domes was the colorful tiles, with which they covered the exterior of their domes, as they would on the interior.

08/28/2023

Eden Project

Located in Cornwall, the Eden Project is the world’s largest greenhouse. The project took 2½ years to construct and opened its doors to the public in 2001. The Eden Project is dominated by two huge enclosures consisting of adjoining domes that house plant species from around the world. The first enclosure emulates a tropical environment, and the second a Mediterranean environment. The domes consist of hundreds of hexagonal and pentagonal, inflated, plastic cells supported by steel frames.

08/24/2023

Great Stupa at Sanchi

The Great Stupa at Sanchi is the oldest stone structure in India and was originally commissioned by emperor Ashoka the Great in the 3rd century BC. Its core was a simple brick dome, supposedly built over the relics of the Buddha. The stupa was expanded a century later with stone slabs to almost twice its original size. The dome was flattened near the top and crowned by three superimposed parasols within a square railing.

08/22/2023

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Built in the 17th century, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most famous and most recognizable sights. The Cathedral was heroically saved by firefighters when it was bombed during the Second World War. Its impressive dome was inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome and rises 108 meters (365 ft) to the cross at its summit. The tall outer dome is actually non-structural but impressive to view, while two lower inner domes provides a balanced interior.