A discharge lamp comprises a bulb (1) of which the interior is divided by a partition (5) to define a discharge path that runs in a convoluted manner with interlinked passages running between the top and the bottom of the bulb. The top portion of the partition (5) is provided with a top plate (12) which permits one of the curved passage-interlinking portions at the bulb top to pass along the upper surface thereof, such that the shadow of the partition (5) is eliminated from the bulb top and that the shape of the bulb can be freely selected, also enabling the lamp to be designed such that it is not easily broken. The partition (5) can be easily and intimately fitted, and the output of light is not reduced in the bulb top region.