Reliquary of St. Galgano returned to Siena today: it had been stolen in 1989

The discovery of the reliquary of St. Galgano had been announced last week: today the precious work of 14th-century goldsmithing, attributed to an unknown person known as the "Master of Frosini," is finally back in Siena, returned to the Archdiocese of Siena-Colle di Val d’Elsa-Montalcino by the Carabinieri of the Palermo Cultural Heritage Protection Unit and the Syracuse Section. The reliquary had been stolen on the night of July 10-11, 1989, from the Seminary of Montarioso, just outside Siena, along with other works, all of which were recovered: a copper and gilded bronze processional processional cross (from the 12th century), a gilded copper tempietto reliquary from the 14th century, a chalice - pyx in gilded copper with enamels from the 14th - 17th centuries, a silver pyx with enamels from the 17th century, an embossed and chiseled silver chalice from the 17th century, and four embossed and chiseled silver chalices with carved heads of angels from the 18th century.

The work was found after lengthy investigations. The objects were found by carabinieri during a search of the home of a private citizen of Giarre (Catania), who immediately could not provide solid reasons for the possession of the works. Investigators later ascertained their provenance, and their possessor was charged with receiving stolen property.

“I am very pleased with the conclusion of this affair and its positive outcome because these rediscovered sacred objects will return, after restoration, to the places where they were stolen years ago, demonstrating once again how close and proud local communities are of their cultural and religious heritage,” said Minister of Cultural Heritage Dario Franceschini, who was present during the redelivery. “The story of recovery of San Galgano is testimony to another beautiful page written by the Carabinieri for the Protection of Heritage. An excellence that is recognized worldwide, which also teaches the police of other countries and which almost every day returns works of art to the national and international community, with decades of experience that also cumulates with a growing know-how also in new technologies. I hope to return to San Galgano as soon as possible, perhaps as soon as the restored works return. A unique place in the world for its spirituality, with that wonderful abbey ’from which you can see the sky’.”

Present at the press conference were, among others, Roberto Riccardi, commander of the Carabinieri Tutela patrimonio culturale, Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums, Gianluigi Marmora, commander of the Nucleo Carabinieri Tutela patrimonio culturale in Palermo, Alessandro Bagnoli, professor at the University of Siena, Elisabetta Cioni, professor at the University of Siena; Maria Forte, prefect of Siena; Nicola Ferrucci, provincial commander of the Carabinieri in Siena; Silvio Franceschelli, president of the Province of Siena; Luigi De Mossi, mayor of Siena; Luciana Bartaletti, mayor of Chiusdino; Andrea Frosini, mayor of Monteriggioni; and Andrea Muzzi, superintendent of Archaeology Fine Arts and Landscape for the provinces of Siena, Arezzo and Grosseto.

In the photo: the reliquary of St. Galgano.

Reliquary of St. Galgano returned to Siena today: it had been stolen in 1989

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