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Michelangelo's
dome and Bernini's baldacchino
in Saint
Peter's Basilica
(three photo cylindrical panorama)
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The great dome above the
altar is supported by four 120 meter high piers. Around the base of the
dome are the solemn words from Matthew's Gospel with which Jesus invests
Peter with supreme authority -- "Tu es Petrus et super hanc petram
aedificabo ecclesiam mean et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum" ("You are
'Rock' and on this rock I will build my Church, to you I will give the
keys of the kingdom of heaven." Mt 16:18). The gigantic black text is lit
by the light from 16 large windows, typical of Michelangelo's style, which
punctuate the drum. Above the windows, the dome is divided into sixteen
ribs and as many segments, decorated by majestic figures on six ascending
concentric levels.
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Between the dome and alter of St. Peter's is Bernini
baldacchino, a canopy or pavilion-like structure 98 feet tall.
It is claimed to be the largest piece of bronze in the world. Its design
is based on the
ciborium, serving to create a holy space above and around the table on
which the Sacrament is laid for the Eucharist.
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