Baldachin of Saint Peter

The Baldachin of Saint Peter is an ornate canopy structure located inside St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. It stands over the high altar and symbolizes the importance of the space beneath it, where the Pope often celebrates Mass. Made of bronze and richly decorated, the baldachin is a striking Baroque masterpiece that emphasizes the sacredness of the area and connects the spiritual significance of the church with its artistic grandeur. It serves both a practical purpose of marking the altar and a symbolic role of honoring St. Peter, the church’s patron saint.