The baldachino by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Baldachino is an Italian word meaning, "canopy." This baldachino is made of solid bronze and is considered to be the largest bronze structure in the world. It was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII and construction took place from 1623 to 1634. The baldachino stands at the crossing of the nave and transept in St. Peter's Basilica, directly above the high altar which is, itself, directly above the tomb of St. Peter. It gives some perspective on the scale of St. Peter's Basilica when one considers that the baldachino stands at about seven stories in height.