Girdle of Thomas, Religious relic in Prato Cathedral, Italy
The Girdle of Thomas is a venerated cord kept in a silver reliquary within a dedicated chapel at Prato Cathedral. The textile has been preserved in this special chamber for centuries, where it remains as a focal point for pilgrims and visitors.
The cord arrived at the cathedral in the 14th century, said to have been given to Thomas during Mary's Assumption according to medieval tradition. A theft attempt in the early 1300s prompted the cathedral to strengthen its defenses and reorganize the chapel around the relic.
The cord has influenced how artists represented Mary and her story throughout the Renaissance in Tuscany. You can observe this through the many paintings in local churches that show the girdle as a focal point of devotion.
The relic is displayed five times each year, with the main exhibition on September 8 during the celebration of Mary's birthday. Visitors should check the cathedral's opening hours, as the chapel is accessible as part of the larger church.
The cord was stolen by thieves in the early 1300s but returned within days, creating a local legend about its protection. This dramatic event led to major changes in how the cathedral was designed, inspiring the construction of the fortified chapel.
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