Essen Cathedral Treasury, Medieval church treasure at Burgplatz, Essen, Germany
Essen Cathedral Treasury displays sacred objects such as ancient reliquaries, crosses, and sculptures within a dedicated room of the cathedral complex. The collection spans from the early medieval period to modern times, presenting these works in an accessible way.
The collection began around 850 when a nobleman founded a convent for women that gathered sacred objects over centuries. This institution became an important religious and cultural center for the region.
The collection reflects religious life across medieval centuries, gathered by canonesses and cathedral canons who shaped the spiritual focus of this place. These objects show how faith and craftsmanship intertwined in their era.
Access to the treasury is straightforward since it is housed within the cathedral at Burgplatz. It works best to visit on a weekday when foot traffic tends to be lighter.
Among the works is a bronze candelabrum from around 1000 that ranks among the oldest of its kind preserved in Europe. Such early cast metal works are extremely rare, making this object a valuable record of medieval metalworking skill.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
