Essen Cathedral Treasury, Essen

Essen Cathedral Treasury, Essen

The Essen Cathedral Treasury, attached to the Essen Minster, holds an important collection of religious artwork showcasing over 1000 years of history, art and ecclesiastical life in the Ruhr metropolis.

The Essen Cathedral Treasury, attached to the Essen Minster, holds an important collection of religious artwork showcasing over 1000 years of history, art and ecclesiastical life in the Ruhr metropolis. Founded in 845, the Cathedral was historically important as the Abbey church of Essen Abbey. Though the previous structure was destroyed in World War II and had to be replaced by the new Gothic building, the collection of treasures remained intact. Highlights include the Golden Madonna - the oldest fully sculptural figure of Mary north of the Alps, 4 processional crosses from Ottonian times, an 11th century crown, Sword of Saints Cosmas and Damian, a cross-shaped reliquary for a Holy Nail gifted by Theophanu, and an 11th century manuscript of the Theophanu Gospels.