In architecture, the canopy or decorative ceiling structure above an altar or throne.
From Old French celure, meaning canopy or covering, derived from Latin caelum meaning sky or heaven. The word reflects how these structures were designed to represent the heavens above sacred spaces.
Medieval architects used celures as visual metaphors—by creating a decorative 'sky' above the altar, they were literally bringing heaven down into the church, making people feel like they were in a sacred cosmic space.
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