Cupolas have both functional and aesthetic value. Cupolas provide a means for ventilation, and may provide a scenic view of the surrounding area. Such a cupola is also known as a belvedere, or a widow’s walk, provided that it can be reached by a stair case from the interior of a building. The use of lighting, or a lantern is often employed in the cupola.

Cupolas have been appreciated for both their architectural beauty and functionality, and used throughout the prominent architectural periods, such as the Classical, Renaissance, and Georgian eras. Cupolas are also currently employed in revival architecture. Renaissance roof cupolas were among the most ornate, and most frequently graced the heights of cathedrals and churches. The interiors of the cathedral cupolas were often elaborately decorated with dramatic lighting and frescoes depicting religious scenes.

Barn cupolas were originally intended to provide ventilation. The cupola helped to circulate air through hay stored at the top of the barn, keeping the bales dry. Over time, these cupolas had gained much aesthetic value, becoming a popular symbol of agricultural architecture and life. Barn cupolas are most commonly made of wood, slatted for ventilation, and having a shingled or paneled roof. Cupolas are often topped by a traditional weather vane, with the copper rooster being the most popular weather vane figure.