In the early 1700s, Francesco Bianchini, a librarian-turned-astronomer, got the job of constructing a giant solar observatory/clock inside the structure. Given the previous experiences of Giordano Bruno and Galileo, this may seem to be a strange allegiance between church and cosmology - a relationship still cited by the Vatican and revisionist-apologists - but one that might be better viewed as veiled and opportunistic toleration. Science was on the verge of a discovery that the church badly wanted - an accurate calendar.

Some of these photos were taken to assist the detailed research into the life and science of Bianchini by Dr. John Heilbron, Professor of History and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of California. Heilbron has cracked a number of sophisticated puzzles embedded by Bianchini in the meridian and surrounding decorations. If you find any of this remotely interesting, do check out his 1999 The Sun in the Church. In addition to his impeccable scholarship, Heilbron is an engaging writer. The book's opening paragraph would be more at home in Dickens than with the Bulwer-Lytton-ese that happens when many scientists finally bust through the walls of professor-speak.

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