The Treasure Museum is housed within the evocative Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo, a complex whose origins probably date back to the 5th century AD. The portico, built between the 17th and 18th centuries to enclose the cemetery and host religious processions, surrounds the area with understated elegance, while the 16th-century bell tower watches from above. Above its portal, the coat of arms of Chiavenna reflects the pride of the local community. From the portico, visitors can access the Baptistery, where the font dating from 1156, carved from a single block of soapstone, depicts the solemnity of Holy Saturday through its relief decoration.<\/p>\n
Among sacred vestments and a rare 11th-century musical manuscript stands the museum\u2019s most precious masterpiece: the Peace of Chiavenna. This Gospel book cover, crafted in repouss\u00e9 gold and adorned with gems, pearls and enamels, is a remarkable example of medieval goldsmithing. Its name derives from the liturgical gesture known as the kiss of peace, during which it was offered to the faithful as a symbol of communion.<\/p>\n
Twenty-five gold plaques mounted on a walnut panel preserve Gospel symbols and two Latin inscriptions, one of which invokes life in Christ for its creator. It may have been a gift from a German or French bishop, or perhaps from Christian of Mainz in 1176. Today it continues to transport visitors into the rich and complex world of the Middle Ages.<\/p>\n
Once, its details could only be admired through a magnifying lens; today, a digital display reveals every engraving, gemstone and hidden inscription. At its centre, a jewelled cross dominates the composition, resting on filigree ovals and opening into golden discs that depict the Incarnation, Christ descending from Heaven, the Annunciation and the Visitation. It is a powerful blend of faith and beauty that continues to speak to those who take the time to listen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Treasure Museum is housed within the evocative Collegiate Church of San Lorenzo, a complex whose origins probably date back to the 5th century AD. The portico, built between the 17th and 18th centuries to enclose the cemetery and host religious processions, surrounds the area with understated elegance, while the 16th-century bell tower watches from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":2433,"template":"","categoria-esperienze":[48,49],"categoria-territorio":[87],"class_list":["post-2431","esperienza","type-esperienza","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","categoria-esperienze-cultural-experiences","categoria-esperienze-museums","categoria-territorio-chiavenna"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n