There are crimes, which impact us all wherever we live - crimes of violence are the most notable examples. But thefts, especially the thefts of priceless works of art, which are our common heritage, also impact us through destroying our cultural and spiritual patrimony.
E Codex Calixtinus, a priceless 12th century illuminated manuscript, has vanished from the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. It could become one of the most important robberies of Spanish historical and artistic heritage.
As well as a major source of historical information, the codex is considered one of the first guidebooks to the Way of St James pilgrimage, and includes practical advice for pilgrims, descriptions of the route and of the local customs, and a set of polyphonic musical pieces.
The 225 page book, thought to date from around 1150, was only brought out on special occasions such as Pope Benedict XVI’s visit last November or during a recent meeting with Spanish Culture Ministry officials.
It is not the first Codex Calixtinus, but it is the best conserved one.
The disappearance of the codex, which was kept in a safe at the cathedral, was discovered on Tuesday afternoon, although it is believed the theft took place last week.
The local Correo Gallego newspaper reported that distraught cathedral staff spent hours searching for the manuscript before contacting police late that night.
"Although security systems have been improved considerably it is true to say that they are not of the kind one might find in a bank or a well-protected jewellers," the newspaper reported.
Only five security cameras were used to watch the archive area, according to the newspaper, and none were pointing directly at the safe where the priceless manuscript was stored.
Police reportedly believe that a black market dealer in antique manuscripts may have commissioned the robbery.
The cathedral’s dean, Jose Maria Diaz, said he called police after carrying out a “very detailed search” with the archivist for the illuminated manuscript, which contains a collection of texts including sermons, homilies to Saint James, Spain’s patron saint, and practical travel advice to pilgrims.
The dean said there was no sign of a break-in and only three people had access to the safe – himself and two archivists.
In recent years, security measures had been improved to protect the codex. An alarm and fire-prevention system was installed, as well as five security cameras.
Experts are worried about the state of the historical document. A change in light and humidity conditions, or inadequate handling might alter the colour-rich illustrations and cause the pages to come loose.
The cathedral’s dean said the manuscript was not insured. In 1990 an insurance company demanded one billion pesetas, the equivalent of six million euros, to insure the document, he added.
Galicia regional police inspector Benigno Roca said a special unit has been set up to try to recover the Calixtinus Codex, which went missing from a strongbox in the cathedral's archive room last week. He said there were no signs of a break-in. Roca said European police forces had been alerted.
Further information:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jul/07/codex-calixtinus-manuscript-stolen-santiago-compostela
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