What are onion domes?

Such domes are often larger in diameter than the drum upon which they are set, and their height usually exceeds their width. It has been posited that onion domes first appeared during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. read more

The Dome of the Pantheon deals with the lateral thrust by lightening the dome through coffers and with lead plates set around the domes base for structure stabilization. I have read that the dome symbolizes the heavenly abode. read more

An onion dome (Russian: луковичная глава, lúkovichnaya glavá; compare Russian: лук, luk, "onion") is a dome whose shape resembles an onion. Such domes are often larger in diameter than the drum upon which they sit, and their height usually exceeds their width. read more

Onion domes are predominant in Russian architecture because they became an important stylistic component of Russian Orthodox church design. According to what I have read, the dome's importance comes from symbolic and technical aspects. read more