The so-called "Dalmatic of Charlemagne".
Eleventh century. Gift of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Isidore of Kiev (1439) to Pope Eugene IV (1431-1447)

The only medieval liturgical vestment kept in the Treasury of St Peter's is this dalmatic. It is a masterpiece of the art of embroidery practiced in Constantinople during the eleventh century. It is not known how the legend grew that it was worn by Charlemagne for his coronation as Emperor in 800 AD. It is made entirely in embroidery with gold, silver and colored thread on blue silk with scenes from the Byzantine iconography of the ninth and tenth centuries.

A few of the many items on display in the Treasury Museum