[News Terms] Vatican Begins Restoration Work on 'Baldacchino'

Italian sculptor Bernini created to announce Peter's tomb
Magnificent bronze sculpture, 29m tall, weighing 37 tons
Restored at a cost of 700,000 euros (approx. 1 billion KRW), scheduled for unveiling in 2025

The Vatican has announced the commencement of restoration work on the Baldacchino in preparation for the Jubilee Year 2025, Reuters and AP reported on the 11th (local time). The Jubilee Year is a sacred year in the Catholic Church during which special spiritual graces are granted to the faithful. The regular Jubilee Year began in 1300 and recurs every 25 years; this restoration of the Baldacchino is the first in over 260 years since 1758.

The Baldacchino is a masterpiece created by the Italian genius sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) under the commission of Pope Urban VIII. The work was completed after nine years of effort from 1625 to 1633. It is a massive structure located in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, designed to mark the location of the tomb of Saint Peter, the first pope and disciple of Jesus. Bernini, in his twenties at the time, dedicated his youth to this Baroque masterpiece.

The Baldacchino canopy of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Italy.
[Photo by St. Peter's Basilica official website (basilicasanpietro.va)]

The term 'Baldacchino' originally meant 'golden cloth' (a liturgical vestment woven with gold thread). Over time, it came to refer to a canopy or covering that decorates and shelters a throne, altar, or tomb. The structure features a base made of marble and wood, with four bronze columns supporting the canopy above. After its unveiling, the Baldacchino inspired a trend of similar canopies during the Renaissance period.

The Baldacchino stands 29 meters tall from base to the golden cross at the top and weighs an impressive 37 tons. It forms an integral part of the architecture of St. Peter's Basilica. Due to a shortage of bronze at the time of construction, bronze was sourced from Venice and even from the Pantheon, which led to ridicule from Roman citizens. Although public opinion was initially unfavorable, Pope Urban VIII, who commissioned the Baldacchino, was reportedly very satisfied with the final work.

The four spiral columns symbolize the ascent of the human soul to heaven and were designed so as not to obstruct the pope’s view during Mass. Decorations include a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit, four angels lifting a crown, bees representing the Barberini family (Pope Urban VIII’s lineage), the papal tiara and keys symbolizing Saint Peter, a sword representing Saint Paul, and angels holding the Gospels.

Pope Francis is waving to the faithful gathered to celebrate Christmas on December 25 last year (local time) from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. In his official Christmas message "Urbi et Orbi" (Latin for "to Rome and the whole world"), the Pope expressed concern over conflict situations around the world, including the Korean Peninsula, the Gaza Strip, and Ukraine, and prayed for peace.
[Photo by AP/Vatican, Yonhap News]

Pietro Chander, the heritage protection officer of St. Peter's Basilica, stated that the restoration will focus on removing accumulated dust and stains from the Baldacchino to restore its original luster. Damaged or at-risk areas will be repaired and reinforced by restoration experts from the Vatican Museums. The restoration, costing 700,000 euros (approximately 1 billion KRW), will be funded by the Catholic charity organization, the Knights of Columbus. The Vatican plans to welcome millions of pilgrims visiting for the Jubilee Year 2025 with the newly refurbished Baldacchino.