Restorers have successfully finished their work on the canopy that shields the main altar at St. Peter’s Basilica, well in time for the 2025 Jubilee celebrations. The canopy, created by Baroque architect and sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, underwent its first renovation in over 250 years, with scaffolding enveloping it for months.
The meticulous restoration was recently unveiled as journalists were granted access to observe the 29-meter-tall canopy up close. Workers meticulously polished the intricate bronze and wood surfaces, unveiling its historical secrets. During the renovation process, relics of the past were discovered, including a 200-year-old sandwich, a 17th-century shopping list, and even the sole of a child’s shoe – shedding light on the tradition of using children to reach challenging areas for cleaning.
Engineer Alberto Capitanucci highlighted the critical role of the scaffolding in facilitating the restoration work, providing workers with easy access to every part of the canopy. The restoration revealed the excellent condition of the wood, with the gold plating restored to a dazzling shine and the bronze achieving a leather-like effect.
With the scaffolding set to be removed on October 27, visitors can anticipate being captivated by the restored grandeur of the canopy, just in time for the upcoming Jubilee year to be inaugurated by Pope Francis in December. The canopy, created between the 1620s and 1630s by Bernini on the commission of Pope Urban VIII, is a masterpiece of intricate design incorporating marble, bronze, wood, gold, and iron.
The completion of this complex restoration project underscores the craftsmanship and artistry involved in preserving this iconic piece of history. The canopy stands as a testament to the collaboration of numerous craftsmen and artists, embodying centuries of history and cultural significance. The unveiling of the fully restored canopy marks a significant milestone ahead of the forthcoming Jubilee celebrations, offering visitors a chance to admire this remarkable work of art in all its splendour.