baldachin

baldachin (or baldacchino).
A canopy over an altar or other hallowed object; it may be portable for use in processions or fixed (either supported on columns or suspended from the ceiling). The most famous baldacchino is Bernini's huge bronze structure (1624–33) in St Peter's, Rome. This type, with twisted columns and fringed canopy, became popular in Baroque churches. See also ciborium.