Canopy (building)

The term cap referred to in the architecture, a bell-shaped curved roof shape of a tower, which clearly stands out from the usual medieval pointed helmets or even later common pyramid roofs. The comparatively low hoods were usually more cost effective and less prone to wind pressure in the early days compared to the high pointed helmets.

Etymology

The term " cover " essentially implies rounded shapes, possibly with horizontal planes and lateral turns. The term " Nova " means an exotic - mostly Romanesque - origin or descent. When these terms were first combined to describe a new and striking architectural element is unclear.

History

Although more detailed studies are lacking, it can be assumed that the initial construction of a curved cupola with its flamboyant forms was the earliest possible in the late Gothic period. The so-called Welsche hood or the bulbous onion dome were often used in the Renaissance and especially Baroque as a roofing of church and town hall towers. When the Italians hood Turmbekrönung usually consisting of several superimposed hoods and lantern -like spacers.

Molding

A precise definition of the different hood shapes has not been taken from architectural research to date; also to the time and place of origin of the term often used " Welsche hood" or the term rarely used " Thuringian hood" are missing far more detailed studies, so that the use of the terminology was largely left to the respective authors. The transitions to some spiers are fluid; significant differences are the curved shapes and the absence of pronounced peaks. The following structural boundaries are possible and useful, wherein combinations are possible:

• Curved hood without a lantern ( bell cap )
• Curved dome with lantern ( Welsche hood )
• Bulged hood ( onion dome )

Quote

"Under the interposition of a lantern the construction of Italians hood can be repeated several times over the other, so that a high spire is formed. "

Regional distribution

The main area of ​​distribution in Germany and Austria is located in the Alpine region. Partly examples are also found in Swabia, Hesse, Thuringia and Bohemia. More detailed studies are necessary.

St. Ulrich in Munich- Laim ⊙ 48.14002111.498802

St. Nikolai Gasteig in Munich

Scots Church in Erfurt

Schloss Gneisenau in Upper Austria

In the region of Franche -Comté, which still belonged to the Duchy of Burgundy until 1477, then came to the house of Habsburg, and was annexed in the 17th century from France, there is, according to counts over 600 curved tower covers ( clochers comtois ), but also here are missing studies on their exact age. They are found preferably on Renaissance churches, but they could also have been placed later.

Church of St- Lothain

Church of Morteau

Church in Ornans