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

The guided tour of the special exhibition focuses on the Rupertus Cross, one of the most significant art treasures of the Early Middle Ages. The cross, dating from the second half of the 8th century, is made of fire-gilded copper, glass paste, and poplar wood and is considered the largest surviving metal cross of its time. As a symbol of Salzburg’s Christian beginnings, it is closely associated with the founding saint Rupert and marks the region’s rise to prominence.

The curator-led tour presents the latest research findings and explains the methods used in the investigation. Special emphasis is placed on comparing modern monument preservation with the 1963 restoration, highlighting the art-historical and conservation-related developments. The exhibition offers the opportunity to discover this unique testament to European treasure art in a new context.