The paper is divided in three parts. In the first part the history of the domes and their realisation are /A`Ly p#
shortly presented: the Pantheon, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary of the Flower in Florence, St. Peter in *\[G fTL
Rome. }5ONDg(I~
In the second part the behaviour of Hagia Sophia is analysed through its history, the observation of N,` <:'
the present damage and mathematical models. The study shows how the dome collapsed several \ Eyy^pb
times in its history. DVRbTz3V
The third part shows the collapse of two vaults of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi hit by a strong {7FD-Q[tS
earthquake on 26 September, 1997. i)d'l<RA
The mathematical model and photographic records explain the mechanism of collapse. Finally the ~Q 1%DV.
reinforcements have been achieved using composite materials with aramidic fibers to strengthen the hC2Ra "te)
deformed existing vaults.
