The roof finials are eye catching ornamental features at the top of a pointed roof, also representing an important value added architectural element that deserves full attention when undertaking a renovation or restoration project. These artefcats are some of the most conspicuous elements from among the decorative panoply of the Neo-Romanian architectural style, often displaying very peculiar or even spectacular designs. Their main source of inspiration are the similar decorative structures present in the church and mosque architecture encountered in the Ottoman Balkans and also from peasant house roof decorative motifs. I made the photomontage above from forty five images of diverse finials which I found throughout Bucharest. Previously I also wrote a very popular article about the value of the Neo-Romanian style roof finials, accessible by clicking here.
Bellow is a sideshow containing all of the above finials, I hope you will enjoy them!
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I endeavor through this daily series of images and small articles to inspire appreciation of the historic houses of Romania, a virtually undiscovered, but fascinating chapter of European architectural history and heritage.
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If you plan acquiring a historic property in Romania or start a renovation project, I would be delighted to advice you in sourcing the property, specialist research, planning permissions, restoration project management, etc. To discuss your particular plan please see my contact details in the Contact page of this weblog.
Valentin Mandache, architectural historian 
What would be the best translation in Romanian for the term “finial”?
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There is none imposed (the language follows rules and words imposed by the Academy) so far, many using the word “pinaclu” [pinacle], which is not really a finial. I use “finiala”, adapted from English, which has also Latin roots resonating with the Romanian language. Some people started to use “finiala”, but many from among the architectural and cultural establishment are against, seeing it as an Anglicism, and also put into use by me, who is seen as an intruder from abroad onto their field.
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