The Historical Journey of St. Paul's Cathedral Spanning Over 8 Centuries
The Pauluskopf relic, a significant historical artifact with deep roots in religious and cultural heritage, was recently on display at Münster Cathedral as part of the celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the cathedral's foundation stone.
This head-shaped relic, traditionally associated with Saint Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, has a fascinating history that dates back to the medieval period. Over the centuries, the Pauluskopf has passed through various custodians and locations, often moved to protect it during periods of conflict, war, or secularization.
The relic holds immense spiritual importance, symbolizing the apostle’s missionary legacy and his role in spreading Christianity. It is also a tangible link to early Christian history and medieval religious practices, attracting historians, theologians, and pilgrims alike. The artistic styles and techniques reflected in the reliquary surrounding the Pauluskopf offer a glimpse into the artistic trends of the periods in which it was enshrined.
After its temporary display in Münster, the Pauluskopf relic will be permanently housed at the Museum of Religious History in Cologne, Germany. This location is significant because Cologne has historically been an important center of Christian relics and pilgrimage, home to the famous Shrine of the Three Kings. The museum aims to exhibit the Pauluskopf alongside other key relics, providing context through educational displays about its origins, significance, and impact on Christian heritage.
The cathedral treasury, which includes relics, some over 1,000 years old, was also on display during the celebrations. The treasury is listed in the national inventory of valuable cultural property and is usually strictly guarded. This temporary exhibition offered visitors a rare opportunity to witness these priceless artifacts.
The celebrations included a large procession, services, and the publicly displayed cathedral treasury. The procession started from Lamberti Church and passed through the Prinzipalmarkt en route to St. Paul's Cathedral. The large procession and service in the city center of Münster took place on July 6th, 2025, with the participation of Former Bishop of Münster Felix Genn and the Apostolic Nuncio Nikola Eterović.
From 2026, the relics of the cathedral treasury will be permanently on display in their own museum. The exhibition of the cathedral treasury is available until July 6th, 2027. After the celebrations on July 6th, 2025, the relics were taken back to their secret location, awaiting their permanent display in Cologne.
In the upcoming Museum of Religious History exhibition, the Pauluskopf relic will be displayed alongside other significant religious artifacts, such as those from the home-and-garden section showcasing sustainable-living practices, to provide a comprehensive exploration of religious heritage and lifestyle evolution over the ages. This museum, already recognized for housing the famous Shrine of the Three Kings, aims to further enrich its collection with the Pauluskopf, offering visitors an insightful journey through the history of Christianity, including elements of news, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and sustainable-living.