What is the largest dome in the world?

Through its jewellery, Ellius tells the story of history and art: its collections are rich in refined details, inspired by the beauty of what they tell.

Among the most successful collections is certainly ‘Domes‘, a line of silver jewellery inspired by the most beautiful and famous domes in the world.

St. Peter’s in Rome, Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence, the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem: these are just some of the enchanting domes created by Ellius.

Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and charms: each object speaks of the beauty and history of each work of art from which they are inspired, reproducing its details in a scrupulous manner.

Domes are complex and spectacular architectural works and often conceal mysteries that are passed down through time. But today we want to answer a simple curiosity: what is the largest dome in the world?

The world’s largest dome: premise

A dome is a domed vault with perfect central symmetry, with a polygonal, circular or elliptical base and a semicircular, parabola or ovoid profile.

Domes have been built since the dawn of civilisations. Some attribute their origin to the Mesopotamians, although the first builders of domes, as we understand them today, were the Romans.

In the Roman period, in fact, these structures were linked to power: thermal complexes and palaces such as the Domus Auree had domes.

Certainly the largest and most famous Roman dome in the world is that of the Pantheon.

Having said this necessary historical premise, as we are about to see, it is actually the development of modern architecture that influences the ranking of the world’s largest domes.

In fact, there are many stadiums or congresses that, from the end of the 19th century to the present day, boast very large domes.

We at Ellius, who are passionate about art and history, will take a detailed look at the ones that have made history.

World’s largest domes: Ellius’ favourites

To make a proper ranking of the world’s largest domes, perhaps citing a winner and a loser, would be simple, but also predictable.

We, on the other hand, will take you through the world’s biggest but also most beautiful domes… the ones that have made history and inspired artists and architects from every era and country.

Treasure of Atreus

Let us begin with one of the earliest discovered domes, not very big compared to those of today or those of the most famous basilicas, but if we consider that it was built in Mycenae in 1250 BC, then you will understand why we put it in this context.

The Treasure Dome of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon, is a large tholos tomb located in the rock of Mycenae in Greece.

Its diameter is 14.5 m…not bad considering the building tools of the period.

Pantheon

As mentioned earlier, it was the Romans who built the actual domes as we know them not. One of the largest domes in the world dates back to that period: the Pantheon.

The Latin name is Pantheum and it was built as a temple dedicated to all deities past, present and future. Founded in 27 B.C. by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus, it was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian from about 112-115 until about 124 A.D., after fires in 80 and 110 A.D. had damaged the previous Augustan-era building.

The Pantheon is located in the Pigna district in the historic centre of Rome and was converted into a Christian basilica in the 7th century under the name of Santa Maria della Rotonda or Santa Maria ad Martyres.

It can be counted among the largest domes in the world as its diameter is 43.4 m.

St Peter’s Dome

Among the largest domes in the world and one of the most loved by Ellius, is St. Peter’s Dome, also called the Cupolone by the Romans.

St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, is the symbol of the Vatican State and is located in the monumental St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

St. Peter’s Basilica is perhaps one of the most famous and most visited basilicas in the world and its famous dome is among the largest, with a diameter of no less than 41.47m.

Brunelleschi’s Dome

Let’s stay in Italy, because among the largest but also most beautiful and famous domes in the world is Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence.

This is certainly the largest masonry dome ever built and its name is in honour of the great architect Filippo Brunelleschi.

Inside you can also see the largest area – 3600 m² – decorated with frescoes, created between 1572-1579 by Giorgio Vasari and Federico Zuccari.

At the base is a splendid terrace, with a panoramic view of the city, 91 metres above the ground.

Brunelleschi’s dome is certainly among the most fascinating and, as mentioned before, also among the largest domes in the world, with a diameter of 42.05 m (45.52 m diagonal).

Among the most beautiful, famous and largest domes in the world is also the United States Capitol, built between 1864-1867, which has a diameter of 29.0 m.

Of great interest for its fame, beauty and the size of its dome is the Suleiman Mosque in Istanbul, built in 1557, with a diameter of 27.2 m.

Another dome that Ellius loved is that of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, built in 1710, with a diameter of 30.8m and from which Ellius also drew inspiration for his Rosettes collection.

Our passion for domes is great…who knows what will inspire us next for our unique jewellery!