What’s the little tower on top of a barn called?

Q: What’s the little tower on top of a barn called?

A: Many barns are topped by cupolas, or small domed structures that help ventilate the building. Cupolas let in light and fresh air to help dry the hay stored in the hayloft; they also let hot air out so that the hay doesn’t catch on fire. Cupolas are not exclusive to barns. They are found on government buildings, churches, and even private homes. Cupolas come in a variety of shapes, including square, round, and octagonal.

While light and ventilation are a cupola’s first function, they can serve other uses depending on their size and the type of building they’re attached to. On churches, cupolas house bells and act as belfries. When a cupola is large enough to stand in and has fixed or operable windows, it’s called a belvedere (“bell-vay-dare-ay,” Italian for “beautiful view”) and serves as a sheltered lookout. Second Empire and Greek Revival style homes often feature cupolas for aesthetic reasons more than anything else. What’s the most interesting-looking cupola you’ve seen?

The image features the louvred cupola on the Diamond O Barn, which sits in the Beaverhead Valley between Dillon and Twin Bridges. Photo by Kate Hampton of the State Historic Preservation Office.