Understanding Rotundas in Architecture

A rotunda is a circular or oval-shaped building or room with a dome-shaped ceiling. The term can also refer to the dome itself, which is often decorated with frescoes, mosaics, or other forms of ornamentation.

In architecture, a rotunda is typically used as a focal point or central feature of a larger building, such as a church, palace, or museum. It is often surrounded by smaller rooms or corridors, and may be accessed through a central doorway or passageway.

The word "rotunda" comes from the Latin word "rotondo," which means "round." The term has been used in architecture for centuries to describe circular or oval-shaped buildings, and has been applied to a wide range of structures, from ancient Roman temples to modern-day museums and government buildings.