THE CORONATION MANTLE

The coronation mantle is one of Hungary’s most precious national relics. It is part of the Hungarian coronation regalia and is of special signifi cance. In 1031 King Stephen and Queen Gisela donated it as a valuable, richly decorated chasuble to the Basilica of Our Lady in Székesfehérvár and later it became part of the coronation ceremony as a relic associated with Hungary’s fi rst king, who was canonized in.1083. Since it was made of textile it was the most fragile item of the regalia. Nevertheless, due to special attention it has been preserved for nearly a thousand years