The organisers of the Center for Early Medieval Studies at the Department of Art History would like to cordially invite you to the lecture by
prof. Daniela Mondini titled Furtum Sacrilegum. The "Holy Heads" of Peter and Paul and a Lost Fresco Cycle in the Lateran Basilica
in Rome. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, May 15th, at 18.00, in the Hans Belting Library. It will be devoted to the reliquaries
containing the remains of St. Peter and St. Paul as well as to the
The "Holy Heads" of Peter and Paul, attested during the 11th century within a side altar in the chapel of St. Laurence in Lateran, and
later within the main altar of Sancta Sanctorum, gained major importance after having been transferred by Pope Urban V.
The relics, which were put on display only a few times each year, attracted pilgrims and robbers alike. During their display at Easter of 1438,
there was an attempt to steal several precious stones from the reliquary. In response to this event, the