In April 2014 a striking research established a link between this goblet and the Holy Grail, arousing the interest among the visitors and causing the adaptation of a larger space for this original to be displayed.

 

This work consists of two pieces of agate dating from the Roman period which constitute the bowl and the stand or base. Around 1063 Doña Urraca had these encrusted with gold, filigree and precious stones, the outcome resulting in the Chalice that is currently exhibited. Doña Urraca, Fernando I and Sancha’s daughter, was Dómina (ladyship) del Infantado of León and later Lady of Zamora. 

 

The interest of the media about this work of art was triggered by the publication of the research carried out by PhD. Margarita Torres Sevilla and PhD. José Miguel Ortega del Río ‘The Kings of the Grail: Tracing the Historic Journey of the Holy Grail from Jerusalem to Spain’ Michael O'Mara Books Ltd (16th April 2015).

 

From the aforementioned research it is derived that the Roman bowl decorated to form this chalice was venerated since S.IV AD in all Christendom as the goblet which Christ used in His Last Supper.

 

Its artistic richness is also undeniable and its ornamentation is made up by gold, gilded silver, precious stones such as amethysts and emeralds, seed pearls and a human countenance in vitreous enamel that has been considered a Roman cameo. Around the pommel or node (where the stem meets the bowl), green enamels, cabochon pearls, sapphires and emeralds beautify the joint. All these jewels are set with a filigree of gold in the shape of little curls and ending in leaves and stems. 

 

In the lower part of the pommel or node, a finely gold trimmed inscription reads as follows: “IN NOMINE D(OMI)NI VRRACCA FREDINA(N)DI”  In the name of God, Fernando’s Urraca.