Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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BALDACHINO

A dome-shaped canopy, made of wood, stone, or metal, over a high altar. It is either suspended by chains or supported by columns. Also called a ciborium. The most famous is that of St. Peter's in Rome, designed by Bernini (1598-1680) for Pope Urban VIII. Its name comes from Baldacco, Italian for Baghdad, which furnished the precious materials for these canopies. The term is also applied to the canopies used in processions or to those placed over an episcopal throne.