The Holy Face, il Volto Santo di Manoppello

The reliquary of the Holy Face, the obverse

The reliquary of the Holy Face has the form of a monstrance made of solid silver with an addition of gemstones and gold in which there is a walnut wood frame with crystal panes. The delicate fabric has been placed between the panes. The monstrance was funded by the townsfolk of Manoppello area in 1946 and was made by an artist Nazzaren Jotti. On the shaft one can see three figures which symbolize faith, hope and love. On the base there are two figures – Archangel Michael, who is the patron saint of the sanctuary, and Saint Francis of Assisi. The gold plate shows Saint Nikolaos of Bari who is the patron saint of the parish in Manoppello. At the top there is the symbol of the Holy Spirit with a crown supported by two angels. The original wooden frame with crystal panes and the veil is the focal point of the monstrance. It was made by brother Remigio, a capuchin, in 1618.

The obverse of the reliquary; silver, gold and gemstones; inside a gilded walnut wood frame; the veil between crystal panes

The reverse of the reliquary; silver, gold and gemstones; inside a gilded walnut wood frame; the veil between crystal panes

The frame, the obverse; a piece of glass from the Vatican reliquary visible in the bottom right corner

The frame, the reverse


Nails	The ladder	The hammer and pliers

The rooster	The scourge	Dice

The emblems of the Passion, the obverse


The crown of thorns	The robe	The lance, the reed with a sponge

The column of flagellation	The oil lamp	The hand of Judas

The emblems of the Passion, the reverse