Bernini’s Crossing Piers in St. Peter’s - Listen - Rebuilding The

Bernini’s Crossing Piers in St. Peter’s

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Under the direction of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, head architect of St. Peter’s, a group of sculptors closely associated with him produced three spectacular statues for the crossing piers of the church. These statues represent the three other most important relics of the Vatican – the largest piece of the “True Cross,” the Veil of Veronica (Sudarium), and the skull of St. Andrew.

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Rebuilding The Renaissance

Published 09/18/24

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In 1627, Bernini became the head architect of St. Peter’s Basilica. His first project was to oversee the decoration of the great crossing piers of the church. Four different sculptors – including Bernini – each produced a large-scale sculpture of a saint. But it was Bernini’s 4m tall marble...

Published 09/11/24

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Located directly in front of the high altar of St. Peter’s and below Bernini’s magnificent Baldacchino, Maderno’s “Confessio” is an architectural stage that allows the faithful to revere the remains of St. Peter. It consists of a beautiful marble balustrade, nearly 100 perpetually burning oil...

Published 09/04/24