Altars of Science - Definition and Overview

The Altars of Science consist of four locations, each representing the four elements (earth, wind. fire and water). They are believed to be "the Path of Illumination", a trail to the meeting place of the Illuminati. Though no one is sure where exactly the meeting place was, many speculate that it was the famed Castel Sant'Angelo. The "altars" were hidden as religious artwork in order to avoid the wrath of the Vatican and secure the secrecy of the Illuminati. The artworks that make up the Four Alters were all sculpted by the Vatican preferred artist, Bernini.

Most believe that the artworks are: The cherub fresco underneath the Obelisk at Saint Peter's Square (wind), The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa at the Chapel Maria della Vittoria (fire), the famous Fountain of Four Rivers at Piazza Novannia (water), and Habakkuk and the Angel in Chigi Chapel (earth).

The existence of the Altars of Science has been debated among some historian although evidence of their exisitance is still visible in Rome today.

The author Dan Brown utilizes the Altars of Science and what most people believe them to be in his novel Angels and Demons.