**Historical Evolution of Onion Domes:**
– Originated in Syria and early prototypes seen in Seljuk architecture in Iran.
– Introduced to Russian architecture in the 13th century, influenced by the Orient, India, and Persia.
– Russian dome shapes evolved over centuries, with unclear origins in Russia and influences from Byzantine and Kievan Rus architecture.
– Different dome shapes associated with specific regions and periods, with hypotheses on their adoption in Russia.
**Symbolism and Significance of Onion Domes:**
– Lack of assigned symbolism in the Russian Orthodox Church before the 18th century.
– Popular belief of onion domes symbolizing burning candles or prayer reaching towards heaven.
– Comparison of onion domes to other architectural styles and their aesthetic and religious significance.
– Religious significance of onion domes in ancient Russian architecture, often appearing in groups representing religious figures.
**Hypotheses on the Origin of Onion Domes:**
– Oriental origin hypothesis suggesting adoption from Muslim countries or wooden architecture during Ivan the Terrible’s reign.
– Indigenous Russian origin hypothesis supported by analysis of miniatures of ancient Russian chronicles.
– Research findings on onion domes in ancient Russian chronicles and comparison with Oriental dome styles.
**International Presence of Onion Domes:**
– Onion domes used in Mughal and Sikh architecture in South Asia, as well as in Iran, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Indonesia.
– Examples include the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, and the Ubudiah Mosque in Malaysia.
– Baroque onion domes were common in the Holy Roman Empire and found on Catholic churches in various European countries.
– Notable examples include St. Mary’s Church in Munich, Germany, and Santa Sofia church in Sardinia, Italy.
**Onion Domes in the Americas and Related Topics:**
– Presence of onion domes on buildings like the Corn Palace in South Dakota, Longwood in Mississippi, and the Fuller Block in Massachusetts.
– Onion domes listed among various roof shapes, with the architectural term ‘Giboshi’ potentially related to them.
An onion dome is a dome whose shape resembles an onion. Such domes are often larger in diameter than the tholobate (drum) upon which they sit, and their height usually exceeds their width. They taper smoothly upwards to a point.
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It is a typical feature of churches belonging to the Russian Orthodox church. There are similar buildings in other Eastern European countries, and occasionally in Western Europe: Bavaria (Germany), Austria, and northeastern Italy. Buildings with onion domes are also found in the Oriental regions of Central and South Asia, and the Middle East. However, old buildings outside Russia usually lack the construction typical of the Russian onion design.
Other types of Eastern Orthodox cupolas include helmet domes (for example, those of the Dormition Cathedral in Vladimir), Ukrainian pear domes (St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv), and Baroque bud domes (St Andrew's Church in Kyiv) or an onion-helmet mixture like the St Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod.
Definition from ChatGPT:
Onion dome:
An onion dome is a dome with a shape resembling an onion, typically found in Russian and Eastern European architecture. It is characterized by its bulbous, curved profile that tapers to a point at the top. Onion domes are often used to crown the top of churches, cathedrals, and other buildings, adding a distinctive and decorative element to the architecture.