Onion dome

An onion dome is a stylized architectural feature that frequently adorns Russian Orthodox Churches. These bulbous structures taper smoothly to a point, and strongly resemble the vegetable after which they are named.

Symbolism

The domes are often brightly painted; the colours symbolise different aspects of religion. Green, blue, and gold domes represent the Holy Trinity, the Spirit of God, and Jesus, respectively. Black domes (representing submission) appear on monasteries. The inner surface of the onion domes are often vividly painted with frescoes and murals.

Onion domes often appear in groups of three or five, representing the Holy Trinity or Jesus and the Four Evangelists, respectively. Domes standing alone represent Jesus.

History

Among the earliest known onion domes are those constructed c. 1150, topping the rebuilt Cathedral of Sancta Sophia in Novgorod. The domes reflect the influence of earlier Byzantine architecture, evolving from the broader, flatter domes of that style. Byzantine influences also spread to Persian architecture and points further east, exemplified by the iconic domes of the 1630 Taj Mahal. (In this context, the domes are occasionally described as Persian domes.)

Famous onion domes

• Cathedral of the Dormition, in Moscow
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, in Moscow
• Church of the Savior on Blood, in St. Petersburg
• Saint Basil's Cathedral, in Moscow