 Maderno's last work at St. Peter's was to design a crypt-like space or "Confessio" under the dome, where the cardinals and other privileged persons could descend in order to be nearer to the burial place of the apostle.Its marble steps are remnants of the old basilica and around its balustrade are 95 bronze lamps.The design of St. Peter's Basilica, and in particular its dome, has greatly influenced church architecture in Western Christendom.