The Chair of the Apostle
The "Cathedra Sancti Petri Apostoli" is traditionally considered to be the episcopal throne of Saint Peter himself—an ancient wooden seat with ivory plaques depicting the labours of Hercules and friezes dating from the Carolingian age (9th century). This relic symbolizes the Petrine primacy and the Pope's magisterium, or teaching authority.
To protect and glorify this sacred relic, the architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini created a magnificent monument in gilded bronze. Completed in 1666 after ten years of demanding work, it required the fusion of bronze statues and elements weighing an astonishing 74 tonnes.
Bernini's Monument
The throne containing the relic is flanked by two angels and crowned with the papal insignia of the keys and tiara, reaching a total height of 14.74 meters. On the back of the throne, Christ is depicted entrusting Peter with leadership of the Church with the words "Pasce oves meas" ("Feed my sheep" — John 21:15-17).
Bas-reliefs adorn the sides: the "Consignment of the keys" (Matthew 16:18-19) on the right, and the "Washing of the feet" (John 13:5-11) on the left. The black Aquitaine marble base bears the coat of arms of Pope Alexander VII (1665-1667), who commissioned this monumental work.
The Four Doctors of the Church
Four colossal statues of the Greek and Latin Doctors of the Church, each nearly six meters high, appear to support and proclaim the throne. The front pair—Saint Ambrose (left) and Saint Augustine (right)—represent the Latin tradition. Behind them stand Saint Athanasius (left) and Saint John Chrysostom (right), representing the Greek tradition.
The Glory of the Holy Spirit
In the upper part, the central window of the apse is closed by a stained-glass representation of the dove of the Holy Spirit. Located approximately 20 meters high in an animated Glory of angels and putti in gilded stucco, it is immediately visible to anyone entering the Basilica through its main door.
The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter
On February 22nd, the solemn feast of the Cathedra of Saint Peter, Bernini's monument is illuminated with over one hundred candles—a spectacular tradition that continues to this day.