The Iron Crown of Lombardy (Corona Ferrea) is both a reliquary and one of the oldest royal insignia of Christendom. It was made in the Early Middle Ages, consisting of a circlet of gold fitted around a central iron band, which according to legend was beaten out of a nail of the True Cross.
The crown became one of the symbols of the Kingdom of Lombards and later of the medieval Kingdom of Italy. It is kept in the Cathedral of Monza, in the suburbs of Milan.
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Famous quotes containing the words iron and/or crown:
““Ego non baptizo te in nomine patris, sed in nomine diaboli!” deliriously howled Ahab, as the malignant iron scorchingly devoured the baptismal blood.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“To be a king and wear a crown is more glorious to them that see it than it is pleasure to them that bear it.”
—Elizabeth I (1533–1603)