Milan Cathedral Treasury 
Gold and enamel panel from the Pax of Ariberto (c.1030).
Click to enlarge and see our Milan Treasury Photo Gallery for more.
Detail of the Pax of Ariberto: the Eagle, symbol of St. John the Evangelist.
One panel of the Five Part Diptych.
Detail of the Five Part Diptych: the Raising of Lazarus.
Holy Water Vessel (before 980 AD).
Location map and aerial view of Milan Cathedral Treasury. For a larger interactive view, see our Milan Map.
Located in a small room of the crypt in the Duomo, the Cathedral Treasury of Milan is a must-see for its medieval treasures.
What to See
Displayed in a glass case with Italian and English labeling, the collection includes some magnificent artworks from the Early Christian and Romanesque periods as well as reliquaries and richly-embroidered vestments. See our Milan Cathedral Treasury Photo Gallery for a closer look at these magnificent treasures; some of the most notable artworks are described below.
"Pax of Ariberto" (c.1030)
The so-called "Pax of Ariberto" was created around 1030 or 1040 and given to the Duomo by Archbishop Ariberto. It consists of two panels: the more elaborate one was used to decorate the box in which the cathedral's Gospel book was kept, while the other covered the Gospel book itself. In the 12th century it became part of a "Pax," a panel with a handle that was presented during the ritual of the kiss of peace.
The main panel is covered in gold and decorated with 18 enamel plates and 134 precious stones. In the center is a crucifix against a backdrop of deep green, with the words LUXMUNDI ("Light of the World") written in gold above the head of Christ. In this representation Christ is shown dead, with his head bowed and eyes closed.
Flanking the cross as usual are the Virgin Mary and St. John as well as two soldiers with spears. The enamel panel above the crucifix shows the Ascension of Christ, observed by the Twelve Apostles in two separate panels. The four corners have medallions with the symbols of the Evangelists. Two smaller medallions at the top have busts of uncertain (to me) persons.
The panel to the left of the cross shows a women at the empty tomb, greeted by an angel, while the panel to the right shows the Good Thief being led into Paradise by Christ. Below the cross is the Harrowing of Hell, flanked by St. Ambrose (left) and his brother St. Satirus (right).
The other panel is divided into two parts. Archbishop Ariberto, with John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary, presents the Gospel book to Christ in the upper half. Below are the saints Ambrose, Protasio and Gervaise.
"Five-Part Diptych" (late 5th or early 6th century)
Called the "Five-Part Diptych" because each panel is divided into five plates, this beautifully carved Gospel book cover dates from the late 5th or early 6th century. It was probably made in Ravenna, as there are notable similarities in the iconography with 5th-century sarcophagi and early 6th-century mosaics of Christ in Sant'Apollinare Nuovo. It may have been a gift from the Byzantine emperor.
By the 12th century it was no longer used as a book cover, but in the Vespers liturgy of Easter processions. After 1400 it was used as part of a "Pax," a metal plate with a handle presented during the kiss of peace ritual. One panel centers on a cross made of gems; the other has a Lamb of God.
Holy Water Vessel (before 980 AD)
This ivory holy water vessel was specially made for the visit of Holy Roman Emperor Otto II to Milan in 980 AD. It was made by Lombard artists but shows strong Ottonian influences. Deep reliefs on the side of the cup depict the Four Evangelists with their attributes and the Madonna and Child; each figure is seated beneath an arch with an inscription. The Latin dedicatory inscription runs along the rim of the vessel.
Quick Facts
| Site Information | |
| Names: | Milan Cathedral Treasury; Tesoro del Duomo; Cathedral Treasury |
| Location: | Milan, Lombardy, Italy |
| Faith: | Museum |
| Category: | Museums |
| Architecture: | Byzantine, Romanesque |
| Photo gallery: | Milan Cathedral Treasury Photo Gallery |
| Visitor Information | |
| Coordinates: | 45.46445° N, 9.191834° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Lodging: | View hotels near this location |
| Cost: | €1 |
Travel Resources
- Milan Map - our detailed interactive map of Milan, plus hand-picked links to more
- Milan Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, and book at the guaranteed lowest price
- Milan Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and activities in Milan
- Milan Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Article Sources
- Personal visit (May 12, 2008).
- The Treasure - official website of the Duomo
- Milano, Tesoro del Duomo - Thais.it
- Fernando Lanzi, Gioia Lanzi, Matthew J. O'Connell, Saints and Their Symbols (Liturgical Press, 2004), 52. On the enamel of Dismas the Good Thief on the Pax of Ariberto.
Last updated on August 2, 2010.
