Coronation Cross of Bohemia

The Coronation Cross of Bohemia (Czech: Korunovační kříž Čech) or the Gold Reliquary Cross (Zlatý kříž relikviáře) is the most precious object of the Treasury of St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague.^[1] It is usually exhibited together with the Bohemian crown jewels and is sometimes considered to be part of them.^[2] It is a gold reliquary in shape of a cross, which was created to contain the most valuable relics of the Kingdom of Bohemia. The cross was made by order of Charles IV, probably around 1354.^[2] The Reliquary Cross was not originally part of the St. Vitus Treasury, but belonged to the Treasury of Karlštejn Castle. Since 1645 it has been permanently in Prague and became part of the St. Vitus Treasury. The cross was used during the coronations of Bohemian kings in St. Vitus Cathedral, although it was not originally made for this purpose.^[3]