The iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is set to dazzle visitors this Easter with a new, state-of-the-art lighting system. The 14,000-ton, five-century-old dome, designed by Michelangelo, will be illuminated with a more intense and well-distributed light, creating a “suggestive atmosphere with greater visual impact.”
The Vatican’s maintenance and improvement project, carried out by the Fabrica de San Pedro, aims to enhance the dome’s majesty while preserving its historical significance. Experts are conducting functionality and light intensity tests on the dome’s drum, the structure that serves as its base.
The new lighting system will be unveiled on 20 April, Sunday allowing tourists and pilgrims to appreciate the dome’s beauty in a new light. The dome, built to house the remains of St. Peter, stands 120 meters high and offers breathtaking views of the city after climbing its 537 steps.