Guided tour of the special exhibition: The Rupertus Cross. An icon of medieval treasure art

The guided tour of the special exhibition is dedicated to the Rupertus Cross from Bischofshofen, one of the most significant works of art from the Early Middle Ages. As the largest surviving metal cross of its time and a central symbol of the early Christian period in Salzburg, it is closely associated with St. Rupert, the founder saint. Crafted from fire-gilded copper, glass paste, and poplar wood, the cross dates back to the second half of the 8th century and is considered a masterpiece of European treasure art.

The exhibition presents the cross in a new light and conveys current research findings as well as the applied examination methods. A particular focus is placed on the comparison between modern monument preservation and the 1963 restoration. As a loan from Bischofshofen parish church, the Rupertus Cross is one of the most valuable exhibits in the Salzburg Cathedral Museum.