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

The special exhibition presents the Rupertus Cross, a masterpiece of medieval treasure art and one of the most significant exhibits of the Salzburg Cathedral Museum. Dating from the second half of the 8th century, the cross is considered the largest surviving metal cross of the early Middle Ages and ranks among the outstanding testimonies of European art history. Crafted from fire-gilded copper, with elaborate glass paste inlays and poplar wood as a base, it embodies the technical skill and artistic ambition of its time.

Closely linked to St. Rupert, the city's founding saint, the cross symbolizes the Christian origins and historical rise of Salzburg. The guided tour presents current research findings and showcases modern examination methods that provide new insights into the materials and craftsmanship. Additionally, the exhibition discusses the approach of contemporary monument preservation to the 1963 restoration—a comparison that highlights the evolution of conservation methods.