Which term refers to a decorative canopy placed over an altar or tomb?

Which term refers to a decorative canopy placed over an altar or tomb?

• A. Baldachino
• B. Naos
• C. Velarium
• D. Crepidoma

Answer: (A)

A decorative canopy placed over an altar or tomb is called a baldachin (also baldaquin or baldacchino). In church architecture, the baldachin marks the sacred focus of the space, typically formed as a canopy supported by columns and richly decorated—often in gilded bronze or luxurious fabrics. Its purpose is ceremonial and visual, highlighting the altar’s importance and sheltering the liturgical action beneath. A famous example is Bernini’s Baldachin, the grand bronze canopy over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, completed in the 17th century. For contrast, naos is the main sanctuary of a temple, velarium is a retractable fabric roof used in ancient Roman venues, and crepidoma is the stepped platform base of a Greek temple.

A decorative canopy placed over an altar or tomb is called a baldachin (also baldaquin or baldacchino). In church architecture, the baldachin marks the sacred focus of the space, typically formed as a canopy supported by columns and richly decorated—often in gilded bronze or luxurious fabrics. Its purpose is ceremonial and visual, highlighting the altar’s importance and sheltering the liturgical action beneath. A famous example is Bernini’s Baldachin, the grand bronze canopy over the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, completed in the 17th century.

For contrast, naos is the main sanctuary of a temple, velarium is a retractable fabric roof used in ancient Roman venues, and crepidoma is the stepped platform base of a Greek temple.