Heinrichskreuz (Henry's Cross) from the Basel Cathedral Treasure

The local tradition according to which Emperor Henry II (r. 1002–1024) gave this gemmed cross to the Cathedral of Basel, consecrated in 1019, has now become subject of reasonable doubt. Nonetheless, the ‘Heinrichskreuz’ ranks as a masterpiece of Ottonian goldsmithing. In the Middle Ages it was the most important relic of Basel Cathedral. A Roman phalera decorates the centre of the cross. Originally a military medal, the ancient cameo takes on a new meaning on the Heinrichskreuz as a reference to Christ’s victory. The relics embedded in the cross can be seen through the four rock crystals set into the arms. To this day the cross contains particles of the True Cross, but the relic of the Holy Blood has been lost. The horizontal cross arm contains relics of Emperor Henry II, canonized in 1146. These were brought to Basel from Bamberg in 1347.