Gospel of Mark fragments reunite in Italy for exhibition

A unique exhibition has opened in Aquileia, Italy, featuring fragments of the Gospel of Mark that were reunited for the first time in nearly 700 years. The exhibition includes a significant parchment fragment from Prague, which was acquired by Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1354.

During his journey to Rome to receive the imperial crown, Charles IV requested the manuscript from his half-brother, Nicholas of Luxembourg, who served as the Patriarch of Aquileia. The King recorded the circumstances of the acquisition directly onto the parchment. At the time, the manuscript was revered as a contact relic believed to have been written by Saint Mark himself.

While the Venetian portion of the manuscript suffered decay due to humidity, the Prague fragment, held by the Metropolitan Chapter of St. Vitus, has remained in excellent condition. Due to the extreme sensitivity of the sheepskin parchment, the original Prague fragment will only be displayed for the first six weeks of the exhibition before being replaced by a high-quality facsimile. The transport of the artifact involved high-security measures, including a specialized container designed for extreme environments.

Curators noted that while historical events had separated the fragments, their reunification serves as a symbolic connection for Europe.