Rotunda (architecture) facts for kids

The Rotunda at the University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Have you ever seen a building that's perfectly round? That's what a rotunda is! The word "rotunda" comes from a Latin word meaning "round." A rotunda is a building with a circular shape. Sometimes, it also has a big, rounded roof called a dome. It can also be a round room inside a larger building. A very famous rotunda is found under the dome of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C..

What is a Rotunda?

A rotunda is a special type of building. Its main feature is its round shape. Imagine drawing a perfect circle on the ground. A rotunda is built on that kind of plan. Many rotundas also have a large dome on top. This dome gives them a grand and impressive look.

Why Are Rotundas Built?

Rotundas have been built for many different reasons throughout history.

• Meeting Places: Their open, circular design makes them great for gatherings. People can easily see and hear each other.
• Important Buildings: Many government buildings, libraries, and museums use rotundas. They often serve as central halls.
• Religious Sites: Some of the oldest rotundas were churches or temples. Their design can create a sense of awe.
• Landmarks: Because of their unique shape, rotundas often become famous landmarks. They are easy to spot and remember.

Parts of a Rotunda

While every rotunda is different, they often share common features:

• Circular Plan: This is the most important part. The entire building or room is round.
• Dome: Many, but not all, rotundas have a dome. A dome is a rounded roof that looks like half a sphere.
• Columns: You might see columns supporting the dome or the walls. These add to the building's strength and beauty.
• Central Space: The middle of a rotunda is usually an open area. This space is often used for events or displays.

Famous Rotundas Around the World

Rotundas can be found all over the globe. They show different styles of architecture.

Ancient Rotundas

Some of the earliest rotundas date back thousands of years.

• The Pantheon in Rome, Italy, is a famous ancient rotunda. It was built by the Romans. It has a huge concrete dome.
• The St. George Rotunda in Sofia, Bulgaria, is from the 4th century. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
• The Rotunda church in Thessaloniki, Greece, is another ancient example. It was built around 300 AD.

Medieval Rotundas

During the Middle Ages, rotundas were often used for churches.

• The Østerlars Church in Denmark is a well-known medieval rotunda. It is a village church.
• The Rotunda of St. George in Skalica, Slovakia, dates back to the 11th century. It is a beautiful Romanesque church.
• In the Czech Republic, the Rotunda in Starý Plzenec is from the 10th century.

Modern Rotundas

Rotundas are still built today, often with modern designs.

• The Beehive in Wellington, New Zealand, is a famous modern rotunda. It is part of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings.
• The Rotunda in Birmingham, England, is a tall, round office and residential building. It was built in the 1960s.
• The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in China is a large, round building. It is part of a complex built in the 15th century.

Images for kids

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  Rotunda svätého Juraja (Romanesque Rotunda of St.George in Skalica, Slovakia from 11th century)

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  The St. George Rotunda (4th century) and some remains of Serdica can be seen in the foreground

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  The famous Rotunda church in Thessaloniki, Greece

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  The Baptistery at the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa, Italy

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  The most well known Danish rotunda is the village parochial church at Østerlars.

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  Rotunda in Starý Plzenec (Old Pilsen near Pilsen, Czech Republic), from the 10th century

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  Romanesque village church in Selo, Slovenia

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  Rotunda, Öskü, Hungary

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  Rotunda, Kiszombor, Hungary

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  Rotunda rebuilt into bigger church. Szalonna, Hungary.

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  Great Moravian rotunda of St. George. Nitrianska Blatnica, Slovakia

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  Sv. Margity Antiochijskej - Biggest rotunda in Central Europe. Šivetice, Slovakia

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  Foundations of Great Moravian rotunda in Kostolec hillfort. Ducové, Slovakia

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  Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the largest building in the Temple of Heaven

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  Tianluokeng tulou cluster

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  Sanchi Stupa in India, a Buddhist pilgrimage site

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  4 concentric ring architecture of Chengqi lou