9Bernini’s Baldacchino

Inside the basilica, Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Baldacchino steals the spotlight.

Standing at over 29 meters, this intricately designed bronze canopy crowns the papal altar. What’s fascinating is that the bronze used for the Baldacchino was taken from the Pantheon’s portico, adding a layer of historical continuity to the masterpiece. Bernini’s work not only showcases his artistic prowess but also pays homage to the classical legacy of ancient Rome.