A cupola is a dome shaped structure on top of a larger dome or a roof. Cupolas are often louvered for ventilation. Cupolas can contain windows. Cupolas for churches and other houses of worship are sometimes set with glass or stained-glass windows. The word comes from the Latin 'cupella' or the Greek 'kupellon') meaning a small cup (A cupola resembling an upside down cup). A coupla that is lighted is sometimes referred to as a lantern. A cupola with access for viewing out of to view the scenery is often called a belvedere, from the Italian term for fair view.