SAVE THE DATE
PRESS TOUR

Baldachin and Cathedra of Saint Peter’s Basilica

TUESDAY 8 OCTOBER 9.30
SALA DEL CAPITOLO

Dear colleague, the Fabric of Saint Peter is pleased to invite you, on Tuesday 8 October at 9.30 in the Sala del Capitolo, to an exclusive visit of the scaffolding of the restoration site of the gilded bronze Baldachin and the Cathedra of Saint Peter to admire close up, at a height of over twenty metres, the work of the architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the now completed restoration work.

PRESS TOUR OF THE SITE – The engineer Alberto Capitanucci, head of the Technical Area of the Fabric of Saint Peter in the Vatican, and Fr. Enzo Fortunato, Communication Director of Saint Peter’s Basilica, will be present at the meeting. During the visit, further information on the restoration works will be provided, and the date of inauguration will be announced.

THE RESTORATION – A restoration project of great symbolic value, as the Baldachin, which stands solemnly above the high altar, marks with its magnificence the site of the Tomb of the Apostle Peter to whom the Vatican Basilica is dedicated. A demanding and necessary restoration, but also of particular significance, since it was undertaken in view of the upcoming Jubilee of 2025.

THE BALDACHIN – The gilded bronze monument, created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for Pope Urban VIII between 1624 and 1635, is almost 29 metres high and stands on four slender twisted columns inspired by the two marble columns placed around the tomb of Peter in the ancient basilica. The last work on the Saint Peter's Baldachin dates back to 1758: a large team of workers and skilled labourers worked on it for about three months (up to sixty people a day).

ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE

Journalists and media workers who wish to attend must apply, no later than 24 hours before the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system, at:press.vatican.va/accreditamenti

Directorate of Communication of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter

Fr. Enzo Fortunato O.F.M. Conv. (director) - comunicazioneistituzionale@fsp.va
Roberto Pacilio +39 339 5449 531