Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture

In Renaissance architecture and cathedral design, a cupola is a small, dome-like structure that sits atop a larger dome or roof, often at the intersection of a church’s nave and transept. It allows light and air into the building and serves as a decorative crown that emphasizes the building’s height. Cupolas were popular in Renaissance cathedrals to add both grandeur and practical ventilation. In the case of Florence’s cathedral, the term cupola is used to refer to the dome itself.

Vaulting refers to the architectural technique of constructing arched forms to create a ceiling or roof structure. Vaulting distributes weight and creates large, open interior spaces, often with intricate ribbed or groin patterns. This technique was essential in cathedral design, allowing for taller, more spacious interiors while supporting the building’s heavy stone walls. Brunelleschi sought to create a system of vaulting without the buttresses and traditional methods employed by Gothic architects.

The Italian word duomo refers to a cathedral or major church, often characterized by a large, central dome. Originating from the Latin word domus (house), duomo signifies the primary church of a city, traditionally the seat of a bishop. Famous examples include the Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore) and the Milan Cathedral.