
The Reliquary of St. Elizabeth—once thought to hold the head of the Hungarian saint—is now held at the Swedish History Museum, Stockholm. Made of agate, precious metals, and stones, the oldest elements date to late antiquity, while the more recent additions date from the 11th and 13th centuries. (Photo: Ola Myrin via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY 2.5])
The veneration of saints was a fundamental feature of medieval Christianity. The remaining relics of these holy people took on new religious significance in the early Middle Ages. As objects of veneration and pilgrimage, the physical remains of the holy and their belongings required some of the finest works of medieval metallurgy and artistry: reliquaries. These purpose-built containers were typically constructed of precious materials and often depicted scenes from the saint's life and Biblical history.
A saint's life provided a holy guide to believers, and their relics could still work miracles. For the medieval faithful, touching a relic could heal afflictions or soothe troubled souls. As a result, churches and the very wealthy commissioned grand reliquaries worthy of their priceless relics. Ordinary people would encounter reliquaries in their places of worship, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles in pilgrimage to view the most important spiritual objects. The ornate reliquaries of medieval Christianity are objects of great religious importance, but they are also unparalleled examples of craftsmanship.
Reliquaries are fascinating objects of faith and fine art. Learn more about them below.

The Shrine of the Three Kings in the Cologne Cathedral. Completed circa 1225, it is the largest Christian reliquary and features reliefs depicting Biblical scenes in an example of fine medieval goldsmithery. The reliquary is believed to house the remains of the three magi. (Photo: Stock Photos from SAIKO3P/Shutterstock)
A (Roughly) Chronological Tale of Reliquaries
Early Reliquaries

A silver reliquary casket from the early 5th century, discovered in Lombardy, Italy and now housed at the Louvre Museum. The sides display biblical scenes accented with gold. (Photo: © Photo RMN / Gérard Blot from the Musée de Louvre)
In the long history of the Roman Catholic Church, pious individuals have reached sainthood through their faith, attested miracles, and (sometimes) martyrdom. Many of the earliest Christians who walked with Christ are now considered saints. However, the specific designation and veneration of saintly individuals did not begin until the 4th century CE, after the decriminalization of Christianity in the late Roman Empire. In late antiquity, individuals were deemed martyrs or confessors by local bishops without centralized papal control. Despite this decentralized process, the fame of many saintly individuals spread far beyond the localities where they were officially recognized.

A small ivory reliquary crafted around 1125, likely in Norway. The designs feature vegetal motifs and animals. (Photo: Rijksmuseum [Public domain])
The Medieval Cult of Saints

A late 12th century reliquary pendant depicting Queen Margaret of Sicily receiving a blessing from Bishop Reginald of Bath.The back of the pendant encased blood and cloth from Saint Thomas Becket. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art [Public domain])
In the early medieval period, reliquaries were commissioned by those with relics to house. The relics themselves could be diplomatic gifts, won in conquest, or purchases of devotion—by the wealthy—for specific churches. The relics were placed in vessels crafted by master goldsmiths and silversmiths. Early examples often took the shape of a casket, also known as a chasse. These boxes resembled chests or church buildings, and the relic inside was fully concealed. Ivory was frequently used as paneling on chasses, as the white color was associated with purity and holiness. A chasse containing relics might feature decorations detailing the life or martyrdom of the saint. Old and New Testament scenes also make appearances, particularly the events of Christ's life and passion.

A late 12th century domed reliquary, now held at the Kunstgewerbemuseum in Berlin. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons [Public domain])
Pinnacles of Craftsmanship

A reliquary in the shape of an arm containing relics of St. George, a late 13th century treasure from Prague. (Photo: Packare via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 4.0])
Other forms for these precious vessels drew from familiar Christian sights. In the Treasury of the Cologne Cathedral is a reliquary of gold and silver in the shape of a domed basilica, much like those which awed pilgrims in Rome. The monstrance—a sunburst-like structure used for displaying the Eucharist during mass—would have been a familiar symbol for medieval Christians. The same ornate form was also used for reliquaries, a fact which highlights the importance of saintly relics. Like monstrances, relics were often displayed on altars in chapels, so some reliquaries were designed as triptychs—a standard altarpiece design. Through these Christian motifs, reliquaries further emphasized the importance of the veneration of the saints.

The Cologne Cathedral monstrance reliquary from the Cathedral treasury. (Photo: Mkill via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 3.0])

A gold-embellished triptych reliquary from Paris, circa 1400 to 1410. (Photo: Rijksmuseum [Public domain])
Reforming Relics

A reliquary bust of Saint Balbina, likely to hold her skull. This object was crafted between 1520 and 1530, likely in Brussels. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art [Public domain])

A reliquary casket in ivory, crafted circa 1500, likely in France. (Photo: Rijksmuseum [Public domain])
While reliquaries were no longer required or produced in Protestant lands, they continued to be important art and religious objects in Catholic Europe. Early modern aristocrats continued to commission fabulous jewels to wear their relics around their necks while simultaneously displaying their wealth. Monarchs, monasteries, and churches continued to commission reliquaries and treasure their relics.

A reliquary cross in gold, diamonds, and enamel from 17th century Spain. (Photo: The Metropolitan Museum of Art [Public domain])
Reliquaries Today

The Holy Thorn Reliquary in the British Museum. (Photo: Geni via Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 4.0])

Ivory plaques illustrating the Last Supper, probably panels from a German reliquary of the 10th century. (Photo: © The Trustees of the British Museum [CC BY-NC-SA 4.0])
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