SILVER BUST OF SAINT JANUARIUS
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
- Audio File length: 2.38
- Author: STEFANO ZUFFI E DAVIDE TORTORELLA
-
Language: English / USA
If you want to see the silver bust of Saint Januarius, you'll have to visit the Museum of the Treasure of Saint Januarius, which is an interesting collection of sacred art right next to the Cathedral. The bust is a wonderful example of Gothic goldsmith's art that was commissioned to three Provencal goldsmiths by Charles of Anjou at the beginning of the 14th century; the saint's headgear called "mitra" has nearly 3,700 precious stones.
FUN FACT: the silver bust of Saint Januarius that is displayed during the holidays actually contains a real part of his body: his skull bones, which are placed exactly at the corresponding points of the bust!