description Sacro Catino Overview
The Sacro Catino is a hexagonal green glass vessel preserved in the Treasury of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa, Italy. During the Middle Ages, it was revered as the Holy Grail—the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper—following claims that it was brought to Genoa from the Holy Land after the First Crusade in 1101. The dish, measuring approximately 57 centimeters across, was long believed to be carved from a single emerald. Modern analysis in the 20th century identified it as Islamic glass dating from around the 9th or 10th century.
help Sacro Catino FAQ
What is the Sacro Catino made of?
The Sacro Catino is a hexagonal vessel made of green glass. It is preserved in the Treasury Museum of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa.
Why was the Sacro Catino called the Holy Grail?
Medieval tradition identified it with the dish used at the Last Supper. Modern examination found that it is glass rather than the emerald that older legends claimed.
How did the Sacro Catino reach Genoa?
According to Genoese tradition, Guglielmo Embriaco brought it to Genoa in 1101 after the First Crusade and the capture of Caesarea. The object was then incorporated into the religious and civic history of Genoa.
What happened to the Sacro Catino under Napoleon?
Napoleon's forces took the vessel to Paris in the early 19th century for examination. It was later returned to Genoa damaged, with a missing piece resulting from its transport.
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