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The main structural element that holds a dome together in a cathedral is usually a
tension ring (or chain) that prevents the dome from spreading outward, often hidden within the masonry.However, a dome is supported and held together by a combination of several different components, depending on the architectural style:
- Tension Ring/Chain: A metal or stone band hidden around the base of the dome that keeps it from spreading due to gravity (tension).
- Drum (Tholobate): A cylindrical or polygonal wall that sits between the main church building and the dome, often containing windows to light the space below.
- Pendentives: Triangular, curved sections of masonry that transition the structure from a square base (four pillars) to the circular base of the dome.
- Ribs: Vertical supports that divide the dome into segments, radiating from the top center down to the base.
- Double Shell: Many grand cathedrals (like Florence Cathedral or St. Paul's) use two separate shells—an inner structural one and an outer protective one—that work together to bear the load.
- Lantern (Lanterna): A crowning structure at the very top of the dome, which adds significant weight, pushing down to lock the dome ribs in place.
Note: The dome itself is often crowned with a smaller structure on the roof known as a cupola.
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Cupola
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Cupola
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Cupola
In architecture, a cupola is a relatively small, usually dome-like structure on top of a building often crowning a larger roof or dome.Read more
Missing: holding together
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Cupola | Renaissance, Dome Roofs & Bell Towers
Britannica
https://www.britannica.com › ... › Civil Engineering
Britannica
https://www.britannica.com › ... › Civil Engineering
Cupola, in architecture, small dome, often resembling an overturned cup, placed on a circular, polygonal, or square base or on small pillars or a glassed-in ...
cupola/dome
WordReference Forums
https://forum.wordreference.com › ... › English Only
WordReference Forums
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20 Jun 2010 — Paul's or similar cathedral type structures. They'd call it the dome. As a (not too wild) generalization, I would think that a cupola tends ...Read more
What is the purpose of domes and cupolas on churches ...
Quora
3 answers · 3 years ago
Quora
3 answers · 3 years ago
Together they form part of the roof structure, which keeps both the building and it's contents dry, therefore preserving their longevity.
3 answers · Top answer: Because domes are friggin’ awesome.
Seriously. If you can build a sweet dome, everyone knows ...
The dome pictured below is part of which structure? A ...
Weegy
https://www.weegy.com › ...
Weegy
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11 Nov 2021 — The dome pictured below is part of which structure? A cathedral in Florence, Italy, built by Brunelleschi. a. St.Peter's Basilica b.
What is the difference between Duomo - Cathedral...
Tripadvisor
https://www.tripadvisor.com › FAQ_Answers-g187895-...
Tripadvisor
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19 Jan 2016 — The Duomo is the catherdral itself, and the Cupola is the dome of the catherdral that was designed and built after the cathedral was, ...Read more
What Is A Cupola? Different Uses & Overview Of This Topper
Cupolas 'n More
https://www.cupolasnmore.com › questions › what-is-a-...
Cupolas 'n More
https://www.cupolasnmore.com › questions › what-is-a-...
A cupola is a hollow frame that protrudes up from the roof of a building. If that evokes the picture of an upside-down cup, you'd be right on track.Read more
dome-shaped cupola - English Dictionary
Idiom App
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Idiom App
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The cathedral features a magnificent dome-shaped cupola that can be seen from miles away. Synonyms. cupola, dome, pavilion, roof. See also. dome ...Read more
Florence Cathedral
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Florence_Cathedral
Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Florence_Cathedral
The basilica is one of world's largest churches and its dome is still the largest masonry dome ever constructed. The cathedral is the mother church and seat of ...Read more
Brunelleschi's Dome
Visit Tuscany
https://www.visittuscany.com › brunelleschis-dome
Visit Tuscany
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The dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral, the Duomo of Florence, is the famous construction designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, at the time the largest ...Read more