Britannica
Sources used in this answer
What did Bernini design for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Baroque art and architecture
Judith with Her Maidservant, oil painting by Artemisia Gentileschi, 1618–19; at the Pitti Palace, Florence.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini made significant contributions to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, serving as its architect and overseeing various interior and exterior projects. His designs include:1
- The Baldachin: A massive, gilt-bronze baldachin (1624–1633) featuring twisted columns, positioned over the tomb of St. Peter.12
- Piazza and Colonnades: The vast elliptical piazza and its surrounding colonnades, which serve as the approach to the basilica.32
- Interior Decorations: Bernini supervised the decoration of the four piers supporting the dome, including his statue of St. Longinus. He also designed the cathedra of St. Peter in the apse and created niches in the piers to house important holy relics.13
- Tomb of Urban VIII: A notable tomb monument designed by Bernini for his patron, Pope Urban VIII.13
- Campaniles: In 1637, Bernini designed bell towers for the facade; however, these were later removed after their weight caused structural damage to the building.1