A ciborium is a freestanding, column-supported canopy (baldachin) placed over an altar, font or tomb in a church. It marks a sacred place and is a common element in early Christian, Romanesque and Baroque church architecture.
Characteristics
A ciborium is recognisable by:
- Four columns — usually of marble or stone, supporting the canopy
- Dome or tent roof — the top is finished as a small dome, pyramid or gable
- Central position — placed above the altar in the chancel
- Rich decoration — often adorned with mosaics, reliefs or gilding
Application
Ciboria are found in:
- Early Christian basilicas — such as St Peter’s in Rome
- Romanesque churches — marking the high altar
- Baroque churches — Bernini’s famous baldachin in St Peter’s (1633)
- Gothic churches — less common, but sometimes found over fonts
Ciborium vs. baldachin
The terms are often used interchangeably. Strictly speaking:
- Ciborium — a stone or marble structure on columns
- Baldachin — originally a fabric canopy, later also used for monumental structures
Related terms
- Baldachin
- Altar
- Column
- Basilica
- Dome
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