Basilica Canopy Restoration Completed After 250 Years

The restored canopy, a Baroque masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, will be unveiled on October 27 in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee.

The restoration project, which began in February, focused on the intricate bronze and wood canopy over the main altar.
The renovation revealed historical artifacts, including a 17th-century shopping list and a child's shoe, used in past cleaning traditions.
Experts discovered the canopy's gold details, previously obscured by varnish, showcasing its original brilliance.
The project cost an estimated 700,000 euros and aimed to preserve the structure for future generations.
The unveiling coincides with Pope Francis' Mass and the Vatican's preparations for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year.