Domes are marvels of beauty and invention. It is basically a self supporting structure that resembles the hollow upper half of a sphere. Domes became significant with the introduction of multiple domes, developed in the churches in Russia. The domes of Russia are famous worldwide and they typically have a carcass and an outer shell which is normally made of wood or metal. Here we have 10 greatest and most famous domes across the globe.
1. Taj Mahal, Agra, India
Giant mausoleum of white marble. Built between 1632-1653 AD. By Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. Most spectacular feature of the Taj Mahal is the marble dome that surmounts the tomb. It is 35 meters tall (115 ft) and decorated with a lotus design.
2. Dome Of The Rock, Jerusalem, Israel
Built between 685 and 691. Ancient holy site set on a legendary rock in Jerusalem. The building is octagonal, with a door and 7 windows on each side. But it is circular from inside.
3. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
Built in 6th Century. Served as a Cathedral from 537 - 1453 AD. Was converted into a mosque in the 15th century when The Ottomans conquered the city. In 1931, it was secularized and now, it is a museum.
4. Saint Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Russia
Built between 1555-1561. By Ivan, the Terrible to commemorate the capture of the Tatar strongholds of Kazan and Astrakhan.
5. Pantheon, Rome, Italy
Built in 126 AD. As a temple for all the Roman gods and served as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. The temple is topped with a concrete dome with a central opening: the oculus. It was destroyed twice and rebuilt twice, and initially was a rectangular structure.
6. St. Peter's Basilica, Rome, Italy
Built between 1506-1615 AD. In 1547 Michelangelo also helped to design this dome, after taking into consideration the previously constructed domes.
7. Imam Mosque (Shah Mosque), Isfahan, Iran
Considered a masterpiece of Persian Architecture. Its glory is mainly due to the richness of its seven-color mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions. Its construction began in 1611.
8. United States Capitol, Washington DC, United States
Place where most of the United States Congress meetings are conducted. It is the origin point around which the city of Washington DC was laid out. The first session of Congress was held at the Capitol on November 17, 1800, in an incomplete building.
9. St. Paul's Cathedral, London
Built between 1675 and 1711. It is one of Europe's largest cathedrals. It was chivalrously saved by fire-fighters, after it was bombed during the Second World War. It is inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome.
10. Great Stupa at Sanchi, India
Build in 3rd Century BC. By Emperor Ashoka the Great, to honour Lord Buddha One of the oldest stone structures in India.