Publication details
Středověk (jinak) trvá #61 I ateista poklekne: Milánský zlatý oltář
| Title in English | The Middle Ages (differently) last #61 And the Atheist Kneels: The Milan Golden Altar |
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| Year of publication | 2025 |
| Type | Popularization text |
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| Description | While most tourists go to Milan to shop for fashion, take photos on the roof of the Duomo, or admire modern architecture, few realize how crucial this city is for the study of early medieval art. Upon entering the Basilica of Saint Ambrose, one immediately understands why: its interior is practically a mausoleum of artifacts from the 4th, 5th, 9th, and 10th centuries, which—despite the turbulent history of the building during the wartime years of the last century—remain almost unchanged to this day. At the center of the church gleams a massive golden altar, drawing the attention of every visitor from afar. Who was allowed to approach this object in the Middle Ages? How did the view differ for elites versus ordinary worshippers? And what is the relationship between precious materials and the sacred? Archaeologist Jiří Macháček and art historian Ivan Foletti discuss all this in episode 61 of the podcast Středověk (jinak). |