Cathedra Petri: Overall view

The new pope (Alexander VII) revived a scheme, first discussed under Urban VIII, to build a monumental reliquary in the apse of St Peter's for the apostle's throne. The Cathedra Petri (1657-66), an immense work, perfectly proportioned to the vast dimensions of the apse and visually framed from the nave by the columns of the baldacchino, provides the climax to Bernini's work in the basilica. High above the altar, the great bronze throne of Peter seems to hover in mid-air.