Ciborium (architecture)
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In ecclesiastical architecture, a ciborium is a canopy or covering supported by columns, freestanding in the sanctuary, that stands over and covers the altar in a church. It may also be known by the m
Ciborium of Sant'Ambrogio, Milan; note the rods for curtains. The columns are probably 4th century, the canopy 9th, 10th or 12th century.
The Euphrasian Basilica in Poreč, Croatia. The columns are 6th century, and canopy from 1277.
Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, by Arnolfo di Cambio
Basilica di San Nicola in Bari, Italy
Ciborium (container)
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A ciborium is a vessel, normally in metal. It was originally a particular shape of drinking cup in ancient Greece and Rome, but the word later came to refer to a large covered cup designed to hold hos
Ciborium (architecture)
…highlighting the altar, and emphasizing its importance. The altar and ciborium are often set upon a dais to raise it above the floor of the sanctuary. A ciborium is also a covered, chalice-shaped container for Eucharistic hosts. In Italian the word is often used for the tabernacle on the altar, which is not the…
Silver-gilt ciborium
Silver Baroque Ciborium, Church of St Peter, Ayerbe, 18th century
Ciborium covered by a veil