Published: 2023-05-10
The Codex Aureus, a Western medieval illuminated manuscript that contains the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, may be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List later this year. The manuscript is kept in the library of the Batthyaneum in Alba Iulia, Hungary (Gyulafehérvár) and is considered one of the most valuable items in the collection.
The History of the Codex Aureus
The codex was probably commissioned by Charlemagne and brought to Vienna from the monastery of Lorsch near Heidelberg as spoils of war. It was purchased by Prince Prince Antal Kristóf Migazzi of Vienna and later bought by Ignác Batthyány, Bishop of Transylvania, in the 18th century. It then became part of the library in Alba Iulia.
Inscription Process
Adrian Cioroianu, director of the National Library of Romania, announced that the Codex Aureus is expected to be added to the international UNESCO list later this year. The process will not require the codex to leave Hungary as digital copies of the document have already been sent.
Renovation and Restitution
Adrian Cioroianu also spoke of the need to renovate the Batthyaneum building and expressed his willingness to support a partnership with the county and local government to do so. The Batthyaneum in Alba Iulia is the most valuable nationalized property that the Hungarian churches in Transylvania are asking the Romanian state to return. In 1998, the government adopted an emergency decree for its return, but this has not been implemented. The restitution of the property and public collection was finally rejected by the Romanian Supreme Court in May 2021.
Conclusion
The Codex Aureus of Alba Iulia Library in Hungary may soon become a UNESCO World Heritage site, and with it, more recognition as one of the most significant medieval manuscripts in Western history. However, conflicts over its ownership continue as Hungarian churches in Transylvania demand its return to Hungary.
Questions & Answers
What is the Codex Aureus? The Codex Aureus is a medieval codex fragment containing the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. It is considered to be the best-known Western medieval illuminated manuscript.
Where is the Codex Aureus located? The Codex Aureus is located in the library of the Batthyaneum in Alba Iulia (Gyulafehérvár), Hungary.
Who commissioned the Codex Aureus? The Codex Aureus was probably commissioned by Charlemagne.
Who purchased the Codex Aureus and made it a part of the library in Alba Iulia? The Codex Aureus was purchased by Prince Antal Kristóf Migazzi of Vienna and bought from him in the 18th century by Ignác Batthyány, Bishop of Transylvania, and thus became part of the library in Alba Iulia.
Is the Codex Aureus going to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List? Yes, the Codex Aureus is expected to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List later this year.
Does the process of inscribing the Codex Aureus on the UNESCO World Heritage List require it to leave Hungary? No, the process does not require the Codex Aureus to leave Hungary. Digital copies of the documents have been sent to the codex.
What is the current legal battle surrounding the Batthyaneum in Alba Iulia? The Batthyaneum in Alba Iulia is the most valuable nationalized property that the Hungarian churches in Transylvania are asking the Romanian state to return. In 1998 the government adopted an emergency decree for its return, but this has not been implemented. The restitution of the property and public collection was finally rejected by the Romanian Supreme Court in May 2021.
How valuable is the Codex Aureus? The Codex Aureus was insured for $25 million in 2002 when it was briefly transported to Germany.