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Writer's pictureAndy McIlvain

St. Peter's Basilica: A Sneak Peak at the Restored Baldachin



St. Peter's Basilica: A Sneak Peak at the Restored Baldachin

"The Vatican invited journalists to get an inside view of restoration works on the 17th-century canopy standing over the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica and the basilica's Altar of the Chair." from the video introduction


From on high: A rare glimpse from the top of St. Peter's baldachin

"The press got a special tour of restoration work happening in St. Peter's Basilica.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- More than two dozen popes have celebrated Mass under the giant canopy that rises over the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica, but the impressive view from the top of 100-foot-tall bronze structure has been reserved for a select few: cleaners, contractors and restoration experts.

Since February the imposing 17th-century canopy, known as a baldachin, has been shrouded in scaffolding as restorers gradually worked their way up to the top of the 10-story structure, affording them the most intimate view of the towering structure seen by anyone since its last professional restoration in 1758, more than 260 years ago.

Nine months after the start of the restoration work, funded by the U.S.-based Knights of Columbus, the baldachin will be unveiled -- with its original shine restored -- for a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis Oct. 27 at the close of the Synod of Bishops, the Vatican announced.



A statue of an angel, draped in gold, is seen surrounded by scaffolding during restoration work on the 17th-century canopy standing over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 8, 2024. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
A statue of an angel, draped in gold, is seen surrounded by scaffolding during restoration work on the 17th-century canopy standing over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 8, 2024. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)


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