There are many reasons to love large domes. They’re elegant, eye-catching, and often architecturally significant. And while there are domes all over the world, some are more famous than others.
Here are 15 of the most famous domes from all corners of the globe. I hope it helps you find the best modern dome.
- Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia is one of the most famous domes in the world. Originally built as a Christian church in the 6th century, the domed temple was converted into a mosque in the 15th century. Today, it’s a museum, and its massive dome is one of the most iconic sights in Istanbul.
- The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Israel
The Dome of the Rock is a Muslim shrine located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. It’s one of the most sacred sites in Islam and one of the most popular modern domes, and its distinctive gold-plated dome is visible from all over the city.
- St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Italy
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and one of the most popular cathedral domes, and its massive dome is a defining feature of the Vatican City skyline. Designed by Michelangelo, the dome is over 136 meters high and remains one of the largest in the world.
- The Pantheon, Rome, Italy
The Pantheon is a well-preserved temple from ancient Rome that’s now used as a church. Its massive dome is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world and has been in use for over 2,000 years. Some people even call it the best dome.
- Florence Cathedral, Florence, Italy
Florence Cathedral is another iconic Italian church with a massive dome. Designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, it was the largest dome in the world at the time of its completion in the 15th century, and it is one of the biggest buildings with domes.
- Great Mosque of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
The Great Mosque of Córdoba is a mosque that was built in the 8th century, during the height of the Muslim Umayyad Caliphate in Spain. These types of dome are one of the oldest in the world and remain an iconic symbol of Andalusian architecture.
- Al-Masjid al-Nabawi, Medina, Saudi Arabia
Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is the mosque of the Prophet Muhammad in the city of Medina, Saudi Arabia. The dome shaped building the second-largest mosque in the world, and its massive metal-clad dome is visible from all over the city.
- Taj Mahal, Agra, India
One of the most famous dome shaped buildings, the Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, and its massive central dome is its most iconic feature. The mausoleum was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
- Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur, India
Gol Gumbaz is a mausoleum in the city of Bijapur, India. The dome’s structure was built in the 17th century and is notable for its massive central dome, which is the largest in the world. The dome is supported by eight massive pillars and has a diameter of over 37 meters.
- Si Dar-al-Islam Mosque, Baghdad, Iraq
One of the most popular dome buildings, Si Dar-al-Islam Mosque is a mosque in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad. It was built in the 8th century and is one of the oldest mosques in the world. Its massive central dome is over 35 meters in diameter and is supported by 24 pillars.
- Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Pakistan
Badshahi Mosque is a mosque in the Pakistani city of Lahore. The building with dome was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its massive central dome is over 35 meters in diameter.
- Jama Masjid, Delhi, India
Jama Masjid is a mosque in the Indian capital of Delhi. It was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its massive central dome is over 33 meters in diameter.
- Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, Pakistan
Faisal Mosque is a mosque in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad. It was built in the 1970s and is one of the largest mosques in the world. Its massive central dome is over 80 meters in diameter and is the largest in Pakistan.
- Bibi Heybat Mosque, Baku, Azerbaijan
Bibi Heybat Mosque is a mosque in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku. It was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest mosques in the world. Its massive central dome is over 20 meters in diameter.
- Crystal Mosque, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Crystal Mosque is a mosque in the Malaysian city of Kuala Terengganu. It was built in the 21st century and is one of the most modern mosques in the world. Its massive central dome is made entirely of glass and is over 30 meters in diameter.
These are just a few of the most famous domes in the world. From ancient to modern, these 15 domes are some of the most iconic and impressive structures in the world.
