Semi-dome facts for kids

Hagia Sophia main dome with semi-domes,

A semi-dome(also called a "half-dome") is the term in architecture for half a dome. It is used to cover a semi-circular area, usually an apse. A semi-dome was often used at each end of a barrel vaulted ceiling.

History

An early use was to cover Roman cult images. They are a feature found in Ancient Roman and traditional church architecture. The semi-dome is featured in Byzantine architecture and Early Christian architecture. They are prominent in mosques and iwans in Islamic architecture. Some mosques featured semi-domes decorated with glass mosaics. In the second half of the 6th century Ottoman architecture began using half-domes combined with domes. Semi-domes were common in Roman baths, palaces and large buildings. During the Dark Ages in Britain whenever an apse was built, a semi-dome covered it. In 11th century Normandy every apse of every church had a semi-dome over it. The semi-dome went out of use when the east end of churches were squared.

Images for kids

• 

  Typical Early Christian/Byzantine apse with a hemispherical semi-dome decorated in mosaic (Basilica di Sant'Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna).

• 

  Looking up at the radiating semi-domes of Hagia Sophia.

• 

  Cross-section of Hagia Sophia, as first built

• 

  Exterior of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque

• 

  Interior of Sultan Ahmed Mosque ("Blue Mosque"), İstanbul

• 

  Mosaics in Nea Moni of Chios, 11th century

• 

  conch niche, 18th century

• 

  Semi-domed mihrab niche, Cairo

• 

  Painted semi-dome; Parma Cathedral

• 

  Tribune with semi-dome, Winter Palace