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

The curator-led tour sheds light on the Rupertus Cross, one of the most valuable loaned items from the Salzburg Cathedral Museum, originally from the parish church of Bischofshofen. As the largest surviving metal cross from the early Middle Ages (second half of the 8th century), it represents a premier work of European art history. Crafted from fire-gilded copper, glass paste, and poplar wood, the cross is not only a masterpiece of medieval treasure art but also a symbol of Salzburg’s Christian origins—closely linked to its founding saint, Rupert.

The tour presents the latest research findings and compares modern approaches to monument preservation with the 1963 restoration. It explains the applied examination methods that provide insights into the materiality and manufacturing techniques. The exhibition highlights the cross’s art-historical and regional significance as a testament to Salzburg’s history.