Relics believed to be the bones of the Three Wise Men (Magi) who visited the infant Jesus. They are housed in the magnificent Shrine of the Three Kings in Cologne Cathedral.
History
According to tradition, Saint Helena discovered the relics of the Magi in Persia and brought them to Constantinople. They were later transferred to Milan. In 1164, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa gave them to the Archbishop of Cologne, where they have remained. The magnificent golden reliquary (Dreikönigenschrein) was created between 1180 and 1225 and is the largest reliquary in the Western world.
Scientific Investigation
The reliquary was opened in 1864 and found to contain bones and textiles. The bones have been identified as belonging to three different individuals. The textiles include fragments of fine silk consistent with Eastern Mediterranean origin.
Spiritual Significance
The Magi represent the first Gentiles to worship Christ, symbolizing the universal call to salvation. Cologne Cathedral was built specifically to house these relics, making it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in medieval Europe. The Feast of the Epiphany (January 6) celebrates the Magi's visit.
