Ciboria in Roman churches

The erection of elaborate ciboria or baldachins over high altars had been common practice in Rome throughout the Early Middle Ages. The figurative element of these constructions was mostly limited to the carving of capitals, so that the principal decorative effect was gained through the application of glass mosaic to the surfaces of the architectural features. Although Arnolfo's first ciborium (1285), for San Paolo fuori le Mura, belongs to this tradition it departs quite radically from the earlier ciboria in both embracing the Gothic forms of France and creating a programme of sculpture which complemented the decorative scheme of the basilica's interior and referred specifically to its setting.

The ciborium over the high altar of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere (1293) is similar to that in San Paolo fuori le Mura in type but simpler in construction and somewhat modified in both its form and proportions.