The Metaleggio of the Codex Purpureus Sarzanensis

After centuries, a 5th-century gospel book brought back to life through technology

Blu Oberon team organized the content and provided the necessary technologies and support to allow visitors to leaf through the Codex Purpureus Sarzanensis, a precious gospel book dating back to the 5th century, written with gold and silver ink and adorned with exquisite miniatures using Tyrian purple.

Thanks to the Metaleggio, visitors can easily browse this extraordinary document. This technology has thus overcome the challenges related to the difficult consultation, due to the manuscript’s delicacy and their dispersion.

The ease of use of this technological tool – a touch screen – allows for the first time a comprehensive view of the Codex, which was previously impossible.

The Codex Purpureus Sarzanensis is inscribed on sheepskin parchment and is embellished with Tyrian purple dye. It is currently housed in the Episcopal Curia of Tortona.

It consists of 72 parchments: it contains the last part of the Gospel of Luke and the first 13 chapters of the Gospel of John. Furthermore, the codex is enhanced by a magnificent illuminated cover.

Client: Diocese of Tortona

Location: Diocesan Museum of Tortona