the majestic 17th century canopy of Saint Peter’s Basilica regains its splendor

More than 250 years after the last restorations in 1758 and in anticipation of next year’s Jubilee, the baldachin of St. Peter’s Papal Basilica in Rome (Italy) has been given a makeover. After nine months of intense and meticulous restoration, the famous gilded bronze structure of the artist Gianlorenzo Bernini, known as Bernini, was freed from its sheets and scaffolding, this October 27, 2024, during the mass presided over by the Pope Francis at the end of the Synod.

Commissioned by Maffeo Barberini alias Urban VIII, this exuberant baroque sculpture, 29 meters high and nearly 60 tonnes, was designed and then created by Bernini between 1624 and 1635, in collaboration with Francesco Borromini. Cherubs, olive branches, papal insignia and bees, heraldic symbols of the pope’s family, are among others represented on its four thin twisted columns.

A canopy with renewed shine

Various interventions on the upper part of the monument were necessary in order to rid it of heavy dark greasy patinas combined with encrusted atmospheric particles. Certain wooden spaces were cleaned before being harvested. According to the Fabrique de Saint-Pierre, responsible for the management and maintenance of the basilica, the massive influx of tourists and faithful daily would probably be the cause of this damage.

The intervention proved very complex for the dozen workers who had to work on a sort of “Russian doll” of scaffolding, explained Pietro Zander, responsible for the necropolis and artistic assets of the Fabrique de Saint-Pierre. , in January 2024. With the concern not to disturb the liturgical life of the largest church in the world.

This repair work, estimated at 700,000 euros, was entirely covered by the Knights of Columbus, a group of lay Catholics carrying out missionary and charitable projects.